*Editorial Note: Dr. Dennis Edwards is a long-time Leading Voice within Missio’s Writing Collective. He serves on our board, while championing a thousand other worthy initiatives. Just a few short weeks ago, his latest book, Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character, was released. We recommend it highly to you! ~CK
Currently, there is war between Israel and Gaza. Brutal conflict is happening near to the places where Jesus was born, served, and died. The message of Advent seems especially poignant at this moment. Advent invites us to appreciate the nexus of humility, justice, and joy. The angel announced that the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem brought joy to the world:
“The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you — wonderful, joyous news for all people'” (Luke 2:10, CEB).
The news that Jesus, the Son of God, comes as a human to live among other humans who are frail and fickle is overwhelmingly joyous, and helps us to imagine how the world can be better. Advent is a season in the liturgical year that anticipates the joyous good news of the birth of Mary’s son, a fragile newborn who is the ultimate ‘Agent of Justice’ for the world.
The events surrounding the birth of Jesus gives us a glimpse of the power of his humility, a model we are invited to emulate as Followers of the Way. Let’s consider the the nature of this surprising nexus between humility, justice, and joy. How are they integrated with one another, and what should we learn from each?
Humility Empowers Us To Navigate Life
Humility empowers. Contrary to how many people think and behave, humility does not diminish us, but empowers us to navigate the challenges of life while simultaneously serving as instruments of peace in a chaotic world. We might claim that humility is good but in actuality consider it to be a sign of weakness and passivity — the very opposite of power. As I argue in Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character, humility is rooted in submission to God and is demonstrated in our efforts to model godliness in all of our relationships. Humility empowers because it is built on faith and opens us to the movement of the Holy Spirit to give us courage to engage a hostile world.
Mary of Nazareth illustrates how obedience to God is the basis of humility. The angel Gabriel hailed Mary and told her that God had shown favor to her (Luke 1:28). Mary, understandably confused, asked Gabriel how she could possibly bear a child without having sexual relations with a man (Luke 1:34). I imagine that even after Gabriel told Mary that the Holy Spirit would cause God’s power to “overshadow” her (Luke 1:35), some confusion likely remained. Even so, Mary’s response is the essence of humility: “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said” (Luke 1:38, CEB).
Submission to God’s will is humility lived out. Mary went on to be an instrument of God’s peace by mothering her own Messiah. Mary not only submitted to God’s will in the moment, but went on to prophecy concerning her own son, according to Luke’s Gospel. Luke writes of the song that welled up from within Mary when she visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was also miraculously pregnant despite a history of not having been able to bear children. Mary’s song celebrates God’s justice:
“He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty-handed.” (Luke 1:51-53, CEB).
Humility empowers. Contrary to how many people think and behave, humility does not diminish us, but empowers us to navigate the challenges of life while simultaneously serving as instruments of peace in a chaotic world. (1/2) Click To Tweet
Humility is rooted in submission to God and is demonstrated in our efforts to model godliness in all of our relationships. Humility opens us to the movement of the Holy Spirit to give us courage to engage a hostile world. (2/2) Click To Tweet
Humility Attunes Us To Injustice
Justice is conformity to God’s desires for the world. When we combat injustice, we submit to God’s will for all of creation and give our energies to fixing what is broken. The work of justice, such as what Mary sang about, requires humility. Humility keeps us attuned to injustice. It enables us to consider the needs of others and not just our own (Philippians 2:3-4). Embracing humility helps us to recognize how pride and arrogance distort God’s design for equality, and that the tables of injustice need to be overturned. Advent is about the coming of a Savior who rescues humanity from injustice and does so through humble service (see Mark 10:45).
Mary’s song reflects a maxim that permeates the Scriptures: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34). God’s grace, or favor, comes to those who submit to God’s desires, like Mary of Nazareth, and seek to be instruments of peace in the world. And this brings us back to joy.
Justice is conformity to God’s desires for the world. When we combat injustice, we submit to God’s will for all of creation and give our energies to fixing what is broken. Humility keeps us attuned to injustice. Click To Tweet
Experiencing God’s Favor Brings Overwhelming Joy
Joy is the assurance of experiencing God’s favor. Joy is how Mary begins her song:
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.” (Luke 1:46-47, CEB).
Joy also permeates what the angels sang to the shepherds when Jesus was born, as they proclaimed:
“Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” (Luke 2:14, CEB).
Advent brings together humility, justice, and joy because it allows us to get a clearer picture of the power of submitting to God, advocating for justice, and opening ourselves to God’s favor. Perhaps we can be humble like Mary of Nazareth and submit to God’s desires. In so doing, we will be keenly aware of injustice and will make ourselves available to strive for justice. This posture of submission and advocacy — the very evidence of humility — can bring divine joy through God’s favor.
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Dennis hails from New York City, by way of Washington, DC. He’s a learner and a teacher, a husband and a father, a pastor and servant. His BS degree is from Cornell (in Chemical Engineering), his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and both his MA and PhD (in Biblical Studies) are from The Catholic University of America. Dennis has been in urban ministry for 3 decades, having started churches in Brooklyn, NY and Washington, D.C. He also led a third congregation in Minneapolis, MN. Having served as an Associate Professor of New Testament at North Park Theological Seminary for the last several years, Dr. Edwards is currently the Vice President for Church Relations and Dean of the Seminary at NPTS. Dennis likes to lift weights, ride his bicycle, play racquetball, play around on his saxophone and flute, eat, and read. “Rev. Dr. Dre,” as he is affectionately known, has just released his latest book, Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character (2023).
Advent brings together humility, justice, and joy because it allows us to get a clearer picture of the power of submitting to God, advocating for justice, and opening ourselves to God’s favor. (1/2) Click To Tweet
Perhaps we can be humble like Mary of Nazareth and submit to God’s desires. This posture of submission and advocacy — the very evidence of humility — can bring divine joy through God’s favor. (2/2) Click To Tweet
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