As I sat down today and began to write, a lot of thoughts tumbled out. I’m not sure if this is the place to admit this, but I’ve always approached writing “incorrectly.” I don’t sit down and draft an outline with bullet points and conceptualized ideas. I more so jump into the middle of a thought and start writing knowing I’ll figure out the start of that thought later.

But today, my thoughts seemed complicated and all over the place—you may know the feeling. I took a break from writing and thought Lord, this doesn’t feel right. It feels complicated and the ending is too wordy and I’m not sure the introduction fits the tone and I really should finish this tonight and I’m tired and it’s been a long day and now I’m just here complaining. (Do you pray in run-on sentences too, or is that just me?)

I felt Him whisper to the depths of my heart, I understand. ‍

As I sit on my couch with my cable-knit blanket and decaf coffee, my weary soul exhales. He understands. It’s been a long … well, few months, if I’m being honest. Jesus knows the burdens I’ve carried—both public and private. He knows the hours of sleep I’ve gotten the past few nights. He knows the temptations pulling on me to give in to worry, striving, anxiety, or depression. But the most beautiful thing is that He not only knows, He understands. ‍

I love the word “empath.” It means someone who experiences the emotions of another. How incredibly validating is it to talk with an empathetic person? Hearing someone else say, “I know exactly what you’re feeling,” is almost healing in a way.

Jesus is our ultimate Empath. God’s Word tells us He experienced absolutely everything you and I have.

The New Testament tells us Jesus encountered …

• Temptation (Mark 1:13)
• Poverty (Matthew 8:20)
• Anger (John 2:15–16)
• Weariness (John 4:6)
• Disappointment (Luke 13:34)
• Rejection (John 6:66)
• Sorrow (Matthew 26:38)
• Ridicule (Mark 15:19)
• Loneliness (Matthew 27:46)
• Pain (John 19:1–2)

… to name a few.

We’re nearing the middle of the Advent calendar, and as I reflect on Jesus’ experiences, I can’t help but feel abundantly grateful for this season nudging us to intentionally ponder the gift of Jesus. And over the years, the gift of knowing that Jesus understands has become infinitely dear. He is our High Priest (our intermediary between us and God, interceding on our behalf) who pleads with the Father for us because He understands exactly what we’re feeling.

What are you navigating right now? Are you filled with immeasurable joy? Grieving great loss? Or struggling to keep your head above water and make ends meet? As we approach Christmas Day and reflect on this season, invite Jesus into the moment to reflect with you. Reflect on all you’re experiencing, good or bad, and allow the High Priest to sit with you, feel with you, and plead for you before God the Father with the words, I understand.