Heb 2:14a Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood.
In yesterday’s reading I stumbled upon an article entitled “What those who have recently lost someone wish you knew.” What struck me about the title was the word “recently.” My dad has been gone over nine years and my mom almost two, and I still miss them terribly. Christmas is no exception. But this scripture gives me renewed hope.
Heb 2:14b For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
This scripture is not a telling of the Christmas story, but it is a very important reminder to me that love was born that day in a manger. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Himself, in human form because He wanted to restore us to Himself once and for all. The Christmas miracle is that this tiny baby was born to willingly suffer and die for us, so that we could be eternally restored to Him. But this story doesn’t end in death. It ends in His resurrection, in His power over the grave, in His fierce, all-consuming love for us.
Heb 2:15 Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, and for the love and hope that was born in a manger, born out of Your deep love for us, and Your desire for a restored relationship. Thank You for relationships that are so powerful that years later we still feel the ache of their absence. Perhaps that ache is a glimpse into Your heart when You think of Your children who are still separated from You? Thank You that death is not the end, that Your love wins, and that Your hope springs eternally. Draw us closer as we anticipate the coming of our Savior, Your Son. Amen.
Heb 2:18 Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.