God became man. He was not only God who pretended to be a human being. Neither was he a human being who was later adopted by God. But he is the Second Person, the Son of God who took on flesh to be like us.

He is one divine person with two natures: divine and human. He was so human, the author of the letter to the Hebrews said he can be touched. Jesus was in every sense a human being like us, but without sin.

So what does this have to do with me?

A lot!!! It means our God is not one who is far away. He is not one who does not care . He is one with us. He lives with us and he knows what we feel. In our lives, it is normal to feel sad or to encounter troubles, especially if we belong to the Lord. Through it all, with the coming of Jesus, we do not have to be afraid because our God is with us.

The quoted passage in fact tells us to "draw near with boldness to the throne of grace". This is not a suggestion, but it is an invitation. We are all invited to draw near to God. He himself invites us to draw near him.

In the gospel of John, the first words of Jesus were, "What do you want?" As we begin this new year, let us remember these words AND more importantly, respond to it. Indeed, what do you want from Jesus?

Tell him. Approach the throne of grace "with boldness". Do not be afraid to ask, because we can be confident Jesus hears. When we approach the throne of grace, we receive mercy and find grace in time of need.

In my younger years, I always thought God sits in heaven and waits for us to give him what we have. I thought he just takes and takes and does not give. Yet, as I come to know him, one thing I realize is yes, he does wait for us to give him what we have. But the purpose is not for him to take. But his purpose is so he can give us back a hundredfold. More importantly, he does not only want the good things. He also wants us to give him our weaknesses, our sinfulness, our troubles, our pains, our difficulties. God wants us to give him our whole being - good and bad!!!

Our God is a generous God. He is a superabundant God. He is a serving God. This is why today, he asks you, "What do you want"? Offer him everything within you. Tell him what you really want from him. Approach him with boldness because he cares for you.

Lord, open my eyes. You ask what I want. I want you Lord. With you in my life, I will be satisfied. I know you hear me. I know I will receive what I ask for. You are a God of mercy and you are the God of peace. Come Lord Jesus into my life.