No Crib for a Bed

"Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed."

The King of the Universe, the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ was not born in a palace surrounded by commodities and wealth rather he was born in a manger surrounded by hay and animals.  “Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family.  Humble shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty, heaven’s glory was made manifest” (CCC 525). Jesus could have chosen to be born in the lap of luxury, but instead, he humbled Himself and was born in poverty.  Jesus through His decision wanted to teach us about Holy Poverty. He wanted to show us that God wants us to be humble and "poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God." Saint Paul said,  "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" (2 Cor 8:9). Jesus gives us an example that material wealth is not the ultimate goal rather it is following God's will for us. This Christmas, let us reflect on how to live our lives with humility and Holy Poverty. Through Thy poverty, Infant Jesus, deliver us. Amen.