Instead, he gave up his divine privileges. He [Jesus] took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. Philippians 2:7

Parents of missionaries who serve in dangerous places live with the pain of uncertainty. They often wonder if they will see their children again. The more hostile the culture to Christianity, the more danger their children face. There will be want, discouragement, and even threats of persecution. Does God understand these parents’ agony? Yes, He experienced it too.

The Trinity had always been together, functioning in perfect harmony from before time. Their synergy was described in terms of a rhythmic slow dance. Each had a clearly defined role and the execution of them was achieved without the slightest hint of friction.

Imagine how their rhythm was disrupted when the Jesus left the Trinity to go to His mission field. Intimacy was disrupted as He became a child in Mary’s womb. God said goodbye and watched Him leave, able to see into the future. He knew what awaited His child. He envisioned the 40 days of temptation in the desert. He knew Lucifer and could predict the all out war that would be waged. He foresaw the close calls; the brushes with death as the crowds would plot to kill Him. God would plan each way of escape to ensure that His Son would fulfill His mission on Calvary. He saw it all and He felt what human parents feel at their child’s departure. Joy and agony

God also knew who would accept His Son as the Messiah and who would openly reject Him. He knew the disciples that would be called to take the Gospel to the world. He looked down through the ages and saw an unstoppable church on the move. It would be battered but would prevail.

As Mary welcomed her newborn Messiah, the love story of the ages was being written. He would be the only way God’s estranged children could be restored to paradise.

Father, You gave it all up too. Thank you for counting the cost and deciding that Your creation was worth loving so recklessly. Amen