Day 12 of Advent

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:5‭-‬6 NIV

I hate it when my kids get sick or hurt. It can be as simple as a cold, or growing pains (my son gets them pretty bad) and it breaks my heart to see them congested, restless or in pain. I hate feeling helpless and constantly wish I could trade places with them. So the idea of them having to go through a greater illness or pain is unthinkable to me.

So whenever I put myself in Mary’s shoes I just about fall apart into a zillion pieces. It probably doesn’t help that I’m an Empath so it becomes very real to me. I mean really, could you imagine raising God’s son, the Savior of the world, only to see people reject him numerous times, try to capture and attack him during his ministry and then finally beat, mock, and watch him be crucified?! Then to top it all off, realize that was God’s plan all along- just so that the same people who reject him would have a chance to accept him, be forgiven and enjoy eternity alongside God. My goodness!!!

This is Jesus. He willingly followed God’s plan for your sake and mine. This is why “Jesus is the reason for the season”.