Just a few verses after Luke’s beloved historical account of Jesus’ birth comes a stark reminder of the reason why he came to earth. Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to Jerusalem to fulfill the requirement of the Jewish Law. There they were met by an old prophet named Simeon. Luke 2:34-35 says, “Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Years after this prophecy was uttered, Mary would find herself at the cross where her precious son Jesus was dying. We can hardly imagine how it must have felt to have her soul pierced in such a painful way. Only later would she come to understand that Jesus had to die so that we could live. The pain of the cross, and the pain in Mary’s heart, was necessary in order for mankind to be saved.

After all, that’s why he came.