Our inflated bios, our curated images, our growth addictions, our me-ministries, our carnal networking, our jealous hearts, our talent-idolatry, our unsubtle platform-building, our fear of going unnoticed, our internal scoffing at small things—what have we become?

Why don't we notice anymore? Why don't we care? Do we think Jesus isn't serious? Do we think he's not really coming back? Do we think we won't stand before him?

Do we even stop and think at all anymore, or do we just do what others seem to be doing?

"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).

There are some things that Jesus says that are mysterious. These are not in that category: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 5:3). "Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Matt 23:12).

It's Christmastime. We talk about the manger—dirty! Bethlehem—small! Shepherds—dingy! Mary—disrespected! "No crib for a bed," we sing. "Mild he lays his glory by," we sing. God the Son—blindingly humble! But do we realize this story is the "master story" of the Christian life?