Hebrews 9:24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.
Today is Christmas Day. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, Immanuel—God with us. And while Hebrews 9 doesn’t seem like tremendously Christmas-y scripture, as usual, God’s timing is perfect because Hebrews 9 reminds us why God became man and came down from heaven in the first place.
Hebrews 9:25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.
Jesus was born to a virgin in a manger to redeem all of humanity. Jesus was born because God loves us so much He did not want to be separated from us by sin and death, so He sent His Son, Jesus, God incarnate, to live and work and preach and eventually die for us.
Hebrews 9:26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Lord, As we celebrate Christmas today, help us to be ever mindful of the best gift—Immanuel, God with us. Help us to be still and know that You are God. Help us to love You and love others and shine Your light. Always. Thank You for the gift of Jesus. Amen.
Hebrews 9:27-28 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Have a blessed day.