We have just remembered again the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus. We have been reminded of the miracle of the virgin birth. Most of us have been satisfied just to remember and wonder and enjoy. But there is a meaning behind that event that we need to know. Christian scripture and tradition tell us that, in the birth of Jesus, an aspect of God's own being took flesh to dwell among us as one of us. One of our favorite Christmas carols has us singing, "Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail incarnate deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel." What does all of that mean? And what should it mean to us? It is important for us to know. The book of Hebrews tells a story that will help us understand. But first, let me tell you another story.

I will tell you a parable. The…