The story of Jesus' birth is filled with details that emphasize simplicity as one of the main themes. From the birth procession to the place of his birth, everything shows that Jesus chose a humble path. Starting with Mary, in her late pregnancy, she had to travel a long way from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill the census order issued by the Roman government. Traveling 90-100 km was not easy. The terrain was difficult, with steep paths, hills, and valleys that had to be traversed. Although Mary rode a donkey, most of the journey had to be done on foot. In addition, they did not find a decent place to stay so that finally Mary gave birth in a sheepfold. This choice of place illustrates the absence of splendor in the birth of the Savior. There was no palace, no servants, only a simple stable that witnessed the beginning of Jesus' life in the world.
The message of simplicity is also reflected in the shepherds who first received the good news of Jesus' birth. Shepherds at that time were a group in the lower class of society. However, it was to them that the angel delivered the news of the birth of the Messiah. The happiness felt by the shepherds was the result of Mary and Joseph's willingness to take the difficult path to the sheepfold in Bethlehem. This shows that true happiness does not depend on luxury, but on the willingness to live life humbly.
In addition, the message of simplicity in the birth of Jesus can also be seen from the historical context in which this event took place. Jesus was born under the rule of Roman colonialism. As a Jew, He was born as part of a colonized nation. This reminds us of the story of Moses who was also born in a situation of oppression in Egypt. At the time of Jesus' birth, Herod the Great, an Idumean/Edomite, ruled as king in Judea. His position was obtained through his closeness to the Roman ruler, showing that the Israeli monarchy had completely lost its political authority. The presence of a foreign king emphasizes the contrast between worldly power and the power of God who began His work from a humble place.
Joseph, Jesus' father, was chosen to be part of this story because he was a descendant of David. However, unlike the glorious image of King David, Joseph lived as a simple carpenter in Nazareth, an area that was looked down upon at that time. Joseph became a symbol of the meeting point between simplicity and privilege: a royal descendant, but living without worldly status.
Bethlehem, the city of Jesus' birth, has symbolic meaning as the city of David, but at that time it did not have splendor. The choice of Bethlehem and the conditions of Jesus' birth underscore the message that God's work begins in a humble place, but has a great impact on the whole world.
The birth of Jesus in a stable is not just a background story, but an integral part of the message of salvation. The simplicity shown in the birth procession, the choice of place, and the people involved teach us to prioritize humility, trust in God's plan, and happiness that comes from a sincere heart.
So, what about today's Christmas celebration, a celebration that we declare as an expression of gratitude for the birth of the Savior? Are we also willing to accept and be proud of the message of simplicity that He brings?
