“So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.” 1 Samuel 16.11-13
It’s two days until Christmas—can you believe it? Yesterday was also my grandson Oliver’s birthday. He turned two years old. It’s always a joy to have babies and toddlers around during this time of year. They help me better understand Jesus at a young age.
Although David wasn’t a baby or even a toddler, he was young. He was the youngest of eight boys, and in that culture, he was considered the least important. If anyone was going to inherit his father’s wealth, it would have been the firstborn or second-born son—not the eighth.
And yet, God chose the youngest, the least, the most insignificant. David wasn’t even called into the house when the prophet Samuel came by for the sacrifice. He was out in the fields, working, tending sheep. It never occurred to him—or anyone else—that he might be chosen for something special. But God knew. God often takes the weak things of this world to shame the wise.
Jesus was no different. He left His throne in heaven and came to earth, born as a baby—the Word of God made flesh. He, who was with God in the beginning, came to save the world by dying for the world. While David was the least and became the greatest king of Israel, Jesus was the greatest and became the least. He became a baby, born to a virgin, so that God’s Spirit might dwell within all who believe.
This is a season to rejoice in the presence and gift of Jesus. It is a time to receive the gift of this baby, born for the world. Just as David was anointed king for earthly purposes, Jesus was anointed for heavenly ones. Let us tell the world about the Messiah and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
“O Lord God, You are good. Thank You for loving me and for calling me Your own. I give You praise for who You are and exalt Your name. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me. Allow me to be Your hands and feet, the person You have called and created me to be. By Your grace and for Your glory. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.