And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

To his dying day, my father, who had served in World War II, could give his name, rank, and serial number.

Most of us, even those who aren’t Veterans, can do the same. We have a Social Security number, a credit card number, a telephone number, an address number, and a store account number. It goes on and on and on and on.

Depressing, isn’t it?

It’s depressing to call your bank, or a government office and find out your hopes, dreams, disappointments, and accomplishments have been reduced to a few numbers. It’s a rare person who doesn’t ask himself, “Does anyone care about me as an individual?”

There is an answer to that question. There are some people who really do care. Recently, I read a story about a 16th-century Belgian monarch who worried his friends at court by donning a disguise and disappearing for the purpose of walking among his people. His supporters asked him to avoid pulling that stunt again. “After all,” they said, “your life is at stake.”

The king's reply was memorable. He said, “I cannot rule my people unless I know how they live.”

I wish more people in power would go out and see how their people live. Think about it. If your boss knew what you go through, it might make for a better working relationship. If political leaders know the needs of their people, we might see less injustice.

Of course, that’s not likely to happen. Is it?

This is why the fact that God sent His Son to know our pains and problems, hurts and horrors is a most remarkable event in history. Not only did Jesus come to experience those things first hand, He came to give His life as an offering to make things right.

This is why as we approach Christmas, God’s people ought to be filled with thanksgiving for a Savior who said, “I cannot save my people unless I walk among them.”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for walking among us and giving Your life as a sacrifice to save us. Help me share Your grace and truth with those around me, especially as we approach the celebration of Your birth. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 42-44    1 John 1

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