Today’s devotional is once again from an excerpt in Max Lucado’s book God Came Near.

For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt.

He felt weak. He grew weary… It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. Clean the manure from around the manger. Wipe the sweat out of his eyes. Pretend he never snored or blew his nose or hit his thumb with a hammer.

He’s easier to stomach that way. There is something about keeping him divine that keeps him distant, packaged, predictable.

But don’t do it.

For heaven’s sake, don’t. Let him be as human a he intended to be. Let him into the mire and muck of our world.

For only if we let him in can he pull us out.

Listen to him.

“Love your neighbor” was spoken by a man whose neighbors tried to kill him.

The challenge to leave family for the gospel was issued by one who kissed his mother goodbye in the doorway.

“Pray for those who persecute you” came from the lips that would soon be begging God to forgive his murderers.

“I am with you always” are the words of a God who in one instant did the impossible to make it all possible for you and me.

…It happened in a moment. In one moment…a most remarkable moment. The Word became flesh.

~By Max Lucado God Came Near