Why He Comes

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. -Hebrews 2:17-18 (NIV)

This morning I'm thinking of several mothers I know whose children died way too young. There are few things, if any, that break a parent's heart like losing a child. And yet what amazes me about these women that come to mind today is the way that they have been able to minister to countless others who have experienced the death of a child. These women have been so much more helpful than me to other grieving mothers because they know how these mothers feel. Oh how I wish that these women had never known the premature death of a child but I thank God that they've allowed God to use their painful experience to help others experiencing similar pain.

That's one of the reasons why Jesus came to earth, at least according to the writers of Hebrews. Jesus came in order to know what's it like to be me and you. Walking among humanity helped him to be even more merciful to us. It made him uniquely qualified to be a mediator on our behalf to God. He better understood our pain, our temptations, our shortcomings, our struggles and everything else about us.

The Good News of Advent is that the One who came on Christmas still comes today. He still knows our struggles. He still knows our pain. In fact, that's one of the reasons why He still comes.

May God grant you the grace to experience the presence of Christ today in a special way... and may you find in Him the help and the hope that you need.



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If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are Hebrews 5-8.