The traditional African society is rooted in the extended family system in which everyone’s spiritual, economic and social well-being is closely knitted. Therefore, the birth of a child comes with great joy and celebrations in recognition of the child as a divine blessing to the family. The lowly birth of this child, whether it happens as the mother toils in the farmland, on the way to the stream or in the compound without health facilities, does not diminish the attendant joy. The child enters into the family and becomes a member of the community, sharing in every respect as one of the family.

Similarly, the child Jesus enters the world as a great blessing to His family as He was placed in a manger. Though “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature”(Hebrews 1:3, ESV), He partook in the flesh and blood of our common humanity, lying in a “mean estate.” This type of lowly birth does not typically attend the arrival of nobles! Little wonder that, for ages, humanity keeps asking, “Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?”

The answer lies in the truth of Hebrews 2:14–18, which can be summarized this way: in identifying with sinful humanity, Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word, became one of us and took the punishment of humanity on the cross so that, through His death, He might destroy the power of death and set sinners free from lifelong slavery. Let’s break that down a bit.

The passage celebrates the perfect humanity of Jesus. He shared in our human nature (flesh and blood) as “the babe, the son of Mary,” and was made like His brothers (and sisters!) in every respect. As flesh and blood, He tasted all of life in a broken world under the bondage of sin. He was able, then, to deliver His people from the fear of death and lifelong slavery because He destroyed the one who has the power of death (the devil) through His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.

He tasted death by the nails and spear which did “pierce him through” on the cross. He thus became the merciful and faithful high priest who paid for the people’s sins, assuring us that forgiveness is certain and fellowship with God  and brought deliverance for humanity when He rose from the dead. Now, those who put their trust in Him—“the offspring of Abraham,” that is, those who believe by faith without being circumcised (Romans 4:11)—become members of His family and share in His eternal victory over death and the devil.

Finally, the writer to the Hebrews says, having suffered temptation Himself (Matthew 4:1–11), Jesus is a helper of those who are being tempted (see also 1 Corinthians 10:13) and a high priest who can truly provide grace and mercy in times of need (Hebrews 4:15–16). What a blessing to the family of God to know that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses because He understands them from His own experience and so provides compassionate and real help as we walk the road of faith.

In this Christmas season, we as Christians should celebrate in reverent fear  and worship Him who took on flesh as the son of Mary. Hallelujah to Him who shares in our common humanity. Indeed, “Hail, hail the Word made flesh!” Let us help sinners hear “the silent Word” pleading with them to come to join us in the worship of Jesus Christ who came at Christmas.