The idea of theophany captivates me at this time of year. If God could take on flesh as the person of Jesus Christ, why did He choose to do so as a newborn baby? Wouldn't it have been a whole lot easier to step into the streets of Nazareth as a full grown man?
Hebrews 2 may hold the answer.
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.
Jesus had to become an embryo.
He had to become a fetus.
He had to become a newborn baby.
A two year old.
A teenager.
An adult.
Jesus could not be fully human until he experienced the same development that each of us must go through. But God chose to do that. He didn't have to. And that fact humbles and mystifies me.
What kind of love would propel God to step out of Heaven into the helpless body of a baby? And then surrender himself to the limitations of that human body up to death on a cross?
It's this knowledge that makes me break out into the ugly cry every time I see a nativity scene. Here's hoping you do the same :)
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