Humble Settings for Our Lives

One part of the Christmas story we often forget is the part which tells where Joseph led his family to live after the danger from Herod was past-—Nazareth, a small town in Galilee, an insignificant place. Jesus lived there, grew there, learned there, and worked there. What a small and ignominious situation that must seem to us, who seek and strive after fame, glory, and importance! Yet, it was not too mean and insignificant for our Savior. He, the young prince of Glory, worked in a carpenter’s shop. He moved among humdrum tasks, petty cares, village gossip, and trifling trade. He was always faithful in that which was least.

When I am tempted to repine
That such a lowly lot is mine,
There comes to me a voice which saith
“Mine were the streets of Nazareth.”

So mean, so common and confined,
And He the Monarch of mankind!
Yet patiently He traveleth
Those narrow streets of Nazareth.

It may be I shall never rise
To place or fame beneath the skies
But walk in straitened ways ‘till death
Narrow as streets of Nazareth.

But if through honors arch I tread
And there forget to bend my head
Ah! Let me hear the voice which saith,
“Mine were the streets of Nazareth.”

Excerpted from Springs In The Valley by Mrs. Charles Cowman