Who is this homeless looking, raggedy old man?

Actually, this man is not a beggar or a homeless wanderer.

This is Leo Tolstoy, a Russian novelist and philosopher, best known for his masterpieces War and Peace and Anna Karenina.Widely regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time, Tolstoy’s works delve deeply into morality, ethics, and the human condition. Despite his literary fame, Tolstoy made a radical decision later in life: he sold all his possessions, chose homelessness so that others might have homes, and gave to the poor so that beggars might have food.

Tolstoy was a man of conviction, known for his profound quotes such as:

• “Don’t tell me about your religion, let me see your religion in your actions.”

• “If you feel pain, you are alive. But, if you feel the pain of others, you’re human.”

His life and writings have inspired countless others, including Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., to embrace principles of simplicity, nonviolence, and service to humanity. In a famous photograph, Tolstoy is pictured dressed plainly, resembling a poor man. Yet, beneath this humble appearance was a towering intellect and an extraordinary heart, dedicated to bettering the world.

But there is one whose life and sacrifice surpass even the example of Tolstoy.

However, this person is not merely a teacher, philosopher, or reformer.

This is Christ, the Son of God, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. While Tolstoy gave up his wealth, Christ gave up His heavenly throne. While Tolstoy lived as a servant to inspire change, Christ humbled Himself to the point of death—even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8)—in order that our eternal destiny might change, and we might live forever in paradise with Him.

Jesus, the King of kings, was born not in a palace but in a lowly manger (Luke 2:7). He came not in glory but in humility, proclaiming, “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). Like Tolstoy, His life demonstrated that greatness is found not in power but in service, not in taking but in giving.

His eternal words include:

•   “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35-40).

• “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

• “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

Christ’s sacrifice has inspired countless philosophers, theologians, and leaders. Mahatma Gandhi, reflecting on Jesus, said, “A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others.” Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. proclaimed, “Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness: if you want to be important—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Like the humble image of Tolstoy, Christmas reminds us of Christ’s humility, as does also the cross. He exchanged His divine riches for earthly poverty, His glory for a cradle, His crown for a cross. And through His love, He gave us the greatest gift of all—salvation.

This Christmas, let us remember greatness lies not in what we possess, but in what we give. As Tolstoy once said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Christ not only thought of it—He did it, changing the world forever.