Someone has said that the three phrases that best sum up the Christmas season are: "Peace on Earth," "Good will to men," and "Batteries not included." Some of you who are parents of small children know the meaning of this statement.

I trust that you had a most joyous and meaningful Christmas at your house. Soon the lights and holiday greenery will be coming down and this Christmas will be simply a warm memory. Before it slips away from us, however, we need to spend a few moments savoring the deeper meaning of this unique time of the year. That deeper meaning is found in all three of our texts for the day, but especially in the reading from Hebrews. With regard to Christ we read, "Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithfu…