Yes, in some ways a palace would have been more fitting—because Jesus is indeed a king. In fact, the Bible tells us that He is even greater than any earthly king, because He is the Son of God, the sovereign ruler of the universe. No wonder the angel that first Christmas declared to the shepherds that “a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

But instead, Jesus was born in the humblest place imaginable: an ordinary stable. After He was born His mother, Mary, had to place Him in a feeding trough; she and Joseph were too poor to afford a cradle. Can you imagine a less elegant birthplace for the Son of God?

Why did God allow Jesus to be born in a stable instead of a palace? One reason was to show us that Jesus Christ came to save all kinds of people—rich and poor, powerful and helpless, famous and obscure. Jesus loves us all, no matter who we are! And He willingly left Heaven’s glory so He could walk among us and show us His love. Furthermore, Jesus knows what it is to be poor—because He was poor. No matter what trials or temptations we face, Jesus knows what we’re going through, and He wants to help us.

What place does Jesus have in your life? Don’t leave Him in the stable this Christmas, but welcome Him into your heart and life today. Remember: “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Have you asked Jesus into your heart and life? Here’s how.