“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Hebrews 2:14-18 NLT
God of our salvation,
The Hebrew Christians were undergoing terrible persecution and for some the only way to be relieved was to abandon their faith. So this book, letter, sermon was written to exhort them not to and explain why. Maybe it was written by Paul? But it was inspired by You, God, as Hebrews 4:12 says, “the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
So this is not just for Hebrew Christians but for all of us. And we have a theological Christmas and the reason for the season. Because we are human Jesus became one of us, flesh and blood. He knew hunger, what baby doesn’t cry to be fed. He knew about growing up and learning and being teachable (Luke 2:41).. He knew about respect, relationships and living as one in a family. Helping his mother at a wedding. (John 2:3). But he was also Emmanuel, You walking among us. He was also controlled nature and stilled the storm, raised the dead and conquered death. A merciful, faithful high priest. He did not provide a sacrifice but offered himself up. To know The people of Israel’s history is to understand more of Your Son’s history.
This Christmas we cannot just see a sweet little baby in a manger. We see Your character growing before our very eyes as one of us yet without sin. We meet Him on the cross and accept he died for the Hebrews and for us too. Thank You God, Thank You He did.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 24th December 2025
See him lying on a bed of straw:
a draughty stable with an open door;
Mary cradling the babe she bore
the prince of glory is his name.
O now carry me to Bethlehem
to see the Lord of love again:
just as poor as was the stable then,
the prince of glory when he came.
Star of silver, sweep across the skies,
show where Jesus in the manger lies;
shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise
to see the saviour of the world!
O now carry me…
Angels, sing again the song you sang,
sing the glory of God’s gracious plan;
Sing that Bethl’em’s little baby can
be the saviour to the soul.
O now carry me…
Mine are riches, from your poverty,
from your innocence, eternity;
mine, forgiveness by your death for me,
child of sorrow for my joy.
O now carry me…
Lyrics: Michael Perry