"For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come
instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same
sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those
who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered,
since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have
any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder
of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and
goats to take away sins."
[After the writer of Hebrews
explains our need for a greater sacrifice, he gives us a rare glimpse
into the communication between the Persons of the Trinity. He tells us
what song God the Son sang to God the Father as he left Heaven to be
born as the boy Jesus. The song was a portion of Psalm 40 (with a
significant alteration) that clearly communicated what that first
Christmas was all about.]
"Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
"Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'"
Hebrews 10:1-7
