Photo credit: ©iStockphoto/Studio-Annika
One of the most important events in Christianity was when God came down to earth as a man, Jesus Christ.
“I am the bread that came down from heaven.” (John 6:41)
He came down to earth into a fragile human body.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14)
In doing so, He was also able to experience first hand what it is like to be human:
- he got tired (John 4:6)
- he got hungry (Matthew 4:2)
- he got thirsty (John 19:28)
- he wept (John 11:35, Luke 19:41)
- he felt sorrow (Matthew 26:38)
- he felt troubled (John 12:27)
He walked in our shoes, so He could truly understand and sympathize with our feelings and circumstances:
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)
He came down with a specific goal and purpose: to do his Father’s will and die for all mankind.
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38)
But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9)
That’s what Christmas is all about: the birth of Jesus – when God came down to us.
Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, whoever you’re with, when you think about Christmas, remember this: God came down for you. He came to save you. He lived to show you the way to the Father, He suffered and died to show you how much He loves you and He resurrected to offer you a life with Him.
Now, it is our time to get down – down on our knees, and thank Him for His love. Such love that made Him go through all of this, even death, in order to save us.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”(John 15:13)
This post is part of the “One Word at a Time Blog Carnival” hosted by Peter Pollock. Check out his blog for links to other posts that were written based on the word “down”.
“Now it is our time to get down.” Amen, Cris. This is so good. He humbled himself. It’s the least we can do too. We have every reason to be humble; he had none but his love for us. I am grateful!
Yes, Lisa, He went above and beyond to show us how much he loves us. I am grateful too!
Love how you stated, “now it’s our time to get down”. So very true indeed. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your comment, April!
I like your list showing that Jesus was human as well as God and that he experienced all the emotions that we also go through, yet He was without sin. He still feels our pain and our grief, but he also rejoices with us in our times of thanksgiving and praise. A beautiful post!
Indeed, Hazel, Jesus came in a human body, He went through feelings, challenges and temptations that humans face, but He didn’t sin.
Thank you for your comment!
I hope and pray that each of us will look for opportunities to get down and share this Story with someone who needs to hear it during this Holy Season.
http://sdcougar.startlogic.com/blog/?p=169
Amen! Thanks for the visit, Michael.
A beautiful post and an excellent reminder of what Christmas is all about. And that ending was great – “now it is our time to get down.”
Thank you, Chuck!
What a wonderful post to remind us of all Christ came to do. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Amy!
AMEN!!! So much on my heart at this time… re: Him, re: others… both loving Him and avoiding Him, re: my own heart… making sure it is serving Him and Him alone, instead of being sidetracked by the possible worldly acceptance. And on and on it goes.
Thank you.
Joanne, thanks for sharing. You’re right, we all need to be careful of the things that get our attention and focus away from Him, and make sure we are serving Him alone.
Thank you!