The appeal of becoming someone else for a time is a popular theme in fiction. Think of Cinderella, The Prince and the Pauper and The Parent Trap, where the protagonist either trades places with another or transforms into a different version of themselves. Most of the time, the result is a deeper understanding or a betterment of circumstances.

When Jesus was born, He chose to exchange His holy divinity for our humble humanity. He most certainly did not improve his circumstances; in fact, He willingly took on the limitations and pain of our human experience. He experienced hunger, exhaustion, betrayal, suffering, grief and all forms of temptation.

The three kings were likely highly esteemed in their culture, so to bring precious gifts to a baby was a sacrifice of their image. As we come to terms with our own sin, we come face to face with the reality that we are broken and in need of a gift — the gift Jesus gave to us on the cross.

The lyrics in this carol describe that Jesus was born “On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.”  And indeed, my third time at it, I knew exactly how cold and deep the nights with a newborn could feel.  But that year, with our daughter, something shifted.