But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.”
Hebrews 2:9

It began nine months before Christmas, with the incarnation. The eternal Son of God assumed flesh, a tiny fetus in the womb of a young virgin. That miniscule human body grew just we all did until His birth in the most unlikely, the humblest of earthly circumstances. The process of our redemption was set in motion.

We call it the mystery of the kenósis, the “emptying” of Jesus of His rightful glory as Son of God during the time of His earthly life, so that He could face every temptation that we face, stare it down and live a righteous life, and even taste death on our behalf.

He never stopped being who He is from eternity, but He limited Himself to live as we live. He made Himself completely dependent on the Father so that He could set the example for us of living by faith, finding comfort and guidance in prayer just as we must do, trusting in and relying on the fulfillment of the Bible promises made about Himself.

No wonder the angels sang!

Lord Jesus, King of the Universe, thank You for stepping down to my level; I know that You understand what I’m dealing with here. Thank You for bearing the burden of my sin and forgiving me. Be with me now as I trust in Your Word and wait for Your promises to be fulfilled. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles