For this reason, Jesus had to be made like us, his brothers and sisters, in every way. He became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins.

December is known as a time of good cheer, family and friends, and Christmas celebrations. The weather is chilly (at least in the northern USA), Christmas lights illuminate, decorations beautify, and Christmas songs ring out around town. Many people are celebrating a holiday, a feeling; but as Christians, we are celebrating the birth of a Savior.

To be fully human, Jesus had to start out as a baby. Just imagine—the Creator of the universe coming down from glory in the form of a baby with such humble beginnings. Hebrews 2:14 says, “These children are people with physical bodies. So Jesus himself became like them and had the same experiences they have. Jesus did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death—the devil.”

The ERV renders Hebrews 2:17 from today’s verse this way: “Jesus had to be made like us… then he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sin.” In the ESV: “…to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” In the NIV: “…that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” In the KJV: “…to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” I love the fullness that these different versions illuminate, but all with one theme. Jesus had to come as fully human to satisfy the just requirement for sin.

Hebrews is a New Testament letter written to Jewish believers. Everything taught in the Scriptures is coming to fruition; however, to most Jewish people, it appeared sacrilegious, because Jesus was so unlike the Messiah they were expecting. The whole Old Testament, with the patriarchs, laws, and sacrifices, was pointing to the One who would come to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin once and for all.

Jesus, however, was exactly the Messiah God had planned. We can’t have a cradle without the cross and we can’t have a cross without a resurrection to complete God’s story of redemption. Jesus is no longer that baby or humble servant, for He is exalted as King of kings and Lord of lords. One day we will see Him in all His glorious splendor; and in perfection, we will worship Him eternally.

This Christmas, whether in joy or sadness, gain or loss, remember the One who was born in a manager, went to a cross, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He, Jesus, calls your name and whispers, “You are mine, my treasured possession.”

In 1 Corinthians 13:12, it says, “It is the same with us. Now we see God as if we are looking at a reflection in a mirror. But then, in the future, we will see him right before our eyes. Now I know only a part, but at that time I will know fully, as God has known me.”

Christmas is an opportunity to tell others about the hope we have in Christ in this life and the one to come.

By Debbie Mesin, Bible League International staff, Illinois U.S.