Baby took a Back Seat
The idiom “take a back seat” originated during the nineteenth century as travel became more common. It suggests stepping into a lesser role or position. Throughout life, there are many examples of individuals who willingly take a back seat for the sake of someone or something else.
Have you ever considered the back seat Jesus crawled into by becoming a babe born in a manger?
Paul describes Jesus as fully God, possessing all the attributes and titles that were rightfully His. Yet, for the love of His creation, Jesus robed Himself in flesh and became one of us. Scripture tells us:
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
— Philippians 2:6–7
He did not arrive as a king or a wealthy merchant. He was not of nobility according to man’s understanding. No—Jesus took upon Himself the form of a servant, humbling Himself even to the point of weakness, poverty, and dependence.
It was this Servant who delivered salvation to all who come to Him. Christ did what we could not: He paid our debt of sin. As Paul continues,
“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.”
— Philippians 2:8
We were without hope, and Jesus’ abounding love compelled Him to act on our behalf.
As we embrace the Christmas season this year, let us not forget the humility displayed on that holy night—when the God of all glory willingly took the back seat and became the sinner’s Savior. And let us remember that the story does not end in the manger. The same Christ who humbled Himself is now exalted, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10–11). May our hearts bow in worship, our lives reflect His humility, and our celebration of Christmas move us not merely to remembrance, but to faithful obedience and grateful praise.
With Gratitude, Pastor Jesse
