But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one.
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:9–10 (RSV)
On the eve of Lent, my mind is taken up with an Advent hymn. It is not so strange as both are seasons of anticipation. Each calls us to consider our lives, encouraging repentance in preparation. Advent and Lent ready our hearts for the critical moments in our salvation.
In Advent, we sing:
Love caused thine incarnation, love brought thee down to me.
Thy thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
Oh, love beyond all telling, that led you to embrace,
In love, all loves excelling, our lost and fallen race.
LBW 23
Love caused thine incarnation. Should you ever wonder if you are to be included in the salvation of the human race, remember that phrase. It was His love for us that brought our Lord to us. His endless compassion is manifested in His incarnation. God becomes man for His love's sake.
It is His love for us, each of us, that takes Him to the Cross. His innocent suffering and death is His act of love for our lost and fallen race. The joy sung by angels at His birth is fulfilled in the Three Days of His death and resurrection.
Advent gives our hearts the time to ponder so great a love that brings the eternal Father among us. Lent grants us forty days of repentance so we may empty ourselves anything that would blind us to our Lord's victory over death.
Through we may sorrow over our sin, the love that has brought our Lord among us and for us lifts us to the risen life in Christ.