I remember seeing a story last year about fireman rescuing a young girl trapped in the mudslides in California. The girl was stuck so deep she couldn’t get out by herself. Her rescuers had to get right down in the mud with her to get the leverage necessary to pull her to safety.
That’s what Jesus did for us. Luke 2:7 says, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger….” Can you imagine this? Jesus, the King of the Universe, adored by countless angels, the creator of all things, humbled himself and became a baby, born in abject poverty, in the lowliest of circumstances. Why would He do this? Why would He stoop so low?
The answer is, because He loved us, and it was the only way to get us out of the mess we were in. Like the mud in California, sin had us trapped and was pulling us under. We couldn’t get out on our own, so Jesus came and jumped into the mud with us. He got down where we were, so He’d have the leverage to lift us up.
Out of His love for us, Jesus got down in the muck and was born in the manger so long ago. He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8). Because of what He did, “He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him….” (Hebrews 7:25).
I don’t care how far you’ve fallen or how thick the mire of sin which has you trapped, Jesus Christ can set you free. This Christmas season, remember the One who got low, because He couldn’t let you go. Grasp His hand by faith today and let Him lift you out of the muck and lead you into a brighter tomorrow.