Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Hebrews 2:17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Our Friday night Bible study has been studying the book of James. We were discussing favoritism and judging people based on external characteristics or actions. We came to a passage in James chapter 2 that said "Mercy triumphs over judgment." We discussed how people can get caught up in the idea of justice and one of the ideas that was brought up was that judgmental people often refuse to listen to "the other side of the story." It was mentioned that often, to understand where someone is coming from makes one apt to extend mercy. As I thought about this, I had a startling thought. Usually we think about Christmas as a time of giving presents and family and remembering a little baby that came into the world a very long time ago. What I realized is that the birth of Jesus heralded the effort of God to understand more fully "our side of the story." Not that God lacked knowledge, but it was for our benefit. It was an announcement to the world that God understood our condition, knew who we really are, and was willing to extend His mercy to us. I know that these aren't your traditional Christmas passages, but to me they help to explain the true reason to rejoice during this season. God has made his mercy known for all the world to see. All that remains is our response to what God has made known to us.