We live in a world which craves power. We meet over power lunches, where people get together and make extremely important plans. We talk about power dressing, believing that the clothes we wear create a certain impression about us. We refer to power brokers, the people behind the scenes who get things done, particularly in the political realm. We want our cars to have high-powered engines, so they can travel faster.
Power is a highly regarded attribute in our society, sometimes even considered a virtue.
So the image of the manger scene, of a messiah born in poverty contradicts every expectation we have of one who can accomplish things. God, the Creator of the Universe, is in this baby. And this baby is powerless, is vulnerable, is dependent on others, like every other baby in the world. God has given up God's power for us, for you and for me. And all because God loves us.