And the Word became flesh
and dwelt among us.
John 1:14

The best seat at AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas is occupied during every Dallas Cowboys home game by the man who owns the team. Jerry Jones has his own luxury suite, mid-level, on the 50-yard line.

Those invited to join Jones in the owner’s suite for a Cowboys game receive a formal invitation with a box holding an acrylic tray that has the Cowboys star logo etched in the middle. Nestled inside the tray is a card requesting that the recipient join the Jones family “on the fifty” (as in yard line). Included are the tickets, a parking map, and a parking pass.

And while sitting in Jerry’s suite is for most people a once in a lifetime experience, for Jerry, it’s how he watches the game every week.

Ownership has its privileges.

Now imagine for a second someone suggesting to Jerry Jones that instead of sitting in his suite each week, he spends the season watching the games from seats at the very top of the stadium, in the end zone. Instead of VIP parking, he’ll have to park far away and walk, just like everyone else. If he gets hungry or needs the bathroom, he’ll have to hike to the concession stand and wait in line.

Anyone think Jerry would say, “Sounds great! I’m in!”?

Who would trade the best seats in the stadium for a view from the bleachers? Who would trade luxury for an obstructed view outside of a climate-controlled environment?

Christmas reminds us that God did exactly that. He left the splendor of heaven for a hard life on earth. He was born in a stable. Grew up in a carpenter’s shop. Left home and had nowhere to lay his head at night.

Why? The Bible tells us. “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). He came to us and to our world so that we might follow Him and live with Him in His kingdom forever.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for humbling Yourself and coming to the world You created as one of us—as a helpless, dependent baby. Thank You for living a perfect life and dying in our place so that we might live with You forever.