I have had my fair share of role models, from loving activists like MLK and Fred Rogers to musicians like Mozart and Lamp. But I have never felt as if I have any sort of relationship to them. It's more like I *understand* them on a deeper level - but I do not *know* them.

But with Jesus, man, it's just different. When I think of Jesus, I don't imagine ink on paper, the miracles her performed, or the dialogue between him and the disciples. I think of a friend, a mentor, a father, our Savior, someone I am *relational* with. It's weird. I'm not often one to relate to this mushy, seemingly insane spiritual stuff. After reading some Martin Luther, I just can't shake the feeling (here's the short excerpt): You must not climb up to God, but begin where he began - in his mothers womb, he became man. Deny yourself the spirit of speculation... you should know no God at all apart from this man, and depend upon his humanity... in this matter, of how one should treat God and act towards God, forget about speculation about His majesty... we know of no God excepting only the incarnate and human God... if you are concerned about your salvation, forget about all ideas of law, all philosophical doctrines, and hasten to the crib and to his mothers bosom and see him, an infant, a growing child, a dying man. Then you will escape all fear and errors. This vision will keep you on the right way."