Father:

In your great love for us you sent your only begotten Son into the world to take our human flesh upon himself and to take our sins upon himself, to pay for them on the cross, by his death. We are humbled as we think about your great love for us -- us disobedient and undeserving people.

What a thought, Lord! What a mystery!

That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, should take upon Himself true human nature from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, through the working of the Holy Spirit. To be made like us in every way except for sin.

What a thought, Lord! What a mystery!

During all the time He lived on earth, but especially at the end, He bore in body and soul the wrath of God against the sin of the whole human race. And so, by His suffering, as the only atoning sacrifice, He has redeemed our bodies and souls from everlasting damnation, and obtained for us your grace, righteousness, and eternal life.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate as judge. Though innocent, He was condemned and so He freed us from your severe judgment that was to fall on us. By his crucifixion on the accursed cross He took upon Himself the curse which lay on us. He brought the satisfaction for which your justice and truth called. The Son of God died. And so we are restored to your favour.

We pray that through the death of Christ, you will crucify our old nature. Put it to death, Lord! So that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves to you as sacrifices of thankfulness. Comfort us and assure us in our greatest sorrows and temptations, that our Lord Jesus Christ, by His unspeakable anguish, pain, terror, and agony, which He endured throughout all His sufferings but especially on the cross, has delivered us from the anguish and torment of hell. Hear us as we humbly pray through Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN.