Thursday, December 29, 2022  

Today’s Scripture Reading
Hebrews 2:10–18

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.” 

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. (NRSV)

Reflection

“With every breath, we inhale the story of our planet.” This byline precedes a BBC interview transcript featuring scientist Sam Kean, author of the book, Caesar’s Last Breath. Kean asserts that, with his last breath, Julius Caesar expelled 25 sextillion air molecules that would’ve spread around the globe within a few years and, “if you do the math, you’ll find that roughly one molecule of Caesar’s air will appear in your next breath.” He goes on to observe that “it doesn’t stop there. In the same way, you might currently be inhaling Cleopatra’s perfume, German mustard, and even particles exhaled by dinosaurs.”  

Given this phenomenon, that means that with each breath that we take, we inhale a molecule of the Christ child’s first cry into the starry night. We take in a piece of Jesus’ final exhalation “it is finished,” on the cross. We receive his commission to the disciples and his blessed assurance to them from Matthew 28:20—“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

What a wonderful God we serve! We celebrate Emmanuel, “God with us,” this season, a God who took on flesh and bone and breath to live, serve, heal, and save us. Such is the miracle of Christmas!  

Prayer

Ever-present God, as near to us as our very breath, we give thanks that you came to us as one of us, that we might know you more deeply and behold the promise of your saving grace. Amen. 

Written by Nancy Benson-Nicol, Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries and Spiritual Formation    

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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