While reading Hebrews 19:28, it is clear that Christ’s sacrificewasoffered“oncefor all!” The responsibilities of the priests, who offered animal sacrifices day after day forthecleansingofsin,could have seemed never ending and hopeless. BUT, when Jesus,oureternalHighPriest, willingly gave His blood for the ultimate sacrifice, “It was finished!” His perfect sinless bloodpaidthedebtforallsin; His blood made real forgiveness possible;Hisbloodgave unconditional love and truth and hope and grace a new meaning!
We so often separate the events of Christ’s life on earth, and much is lost in the separation. We celebrate His birth, His baptism, His ministry, His death, His resurrection, and even His ascension as separate events. WhenweseethemastheBig Picture that they are, a new depth of purpose arises. We are preparing for the great celebration of Jesus’ birth. This Sunday is the first Sunday in the Season of Advent. “ Advent” means “the coming” and is a reference to the season of preparation where we celebrate Jesus’ coming into the world as a newborn. Yet, if we only celebrate His birth without including His Bigger Purpose for coming to the earth, it becomes just another birthday party with trappings and treats.
It was a time for great celebration that day of Jesus’ birth! So much more as Jesus grew and then later began ministry in Israel, it was a time for the willingness of those around Jesus to live their lives sacrificially in order to fulfill the purpose of theFatherforthesalvationof the world.