Jesus entered the human race in the weakest way possible – as a baby, completely dependent on others. Similarly, He enters my life at the place of weakness and dependence.
The Son of God is the most real when my strength is the least visible. It is at the point of temptation that I am powerless to overcome, in loneliness that consumes me, in doubts and fears that won’t go away. To ignore those realities or try to conquer them alone is to miss Jesus. When I admit my frailty, I find Him.
Henri Nouwen said, “Where you are most human, most yourself, weakest, there Jesus lives.”
Paul the apostle said, “For when I am weak, then I am made strong.”
An angel speaking to some shepherds said, “And you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
I’m still finding that weak baby today, mostly at times when I admit that I am weak myself. His presence fills the gap, gives me hope, and provides a reason to go on.
Merry Christmas.