I had never thought of a keyboard as a "human interface device," and was somewhat surprised to see this description. I guess however, from the computer's perspective, it is. I have external cooling fans, an external hard drive, a mouse, a phone synchronization cable and a printer. All of these devices except for my mouse are considered "hardware devices." These things don't require any input from me to operate them. The keyboard, however, is another matter entirely.

With this "human interface device" (my computer keyboard), I directly input my thought and feeling to the computer. I can communicate with people who literally live all over the earth. It allows me to add "human qualities" — my thoughts, ideas, and input — to a mechanical device.

That's really not so different from what Jesus does for us, is it? Jesus coming to earth was God adding a "human interface device" to his connection with humankind! Jesus brought the human part into the relationship. Jesus provided us an "interface," a way to understand and communicate with God in a way that we can understand and know that God understands — of course God understands everything, but Jesus' coming assures us that he understands from human experience.

Paul reminds us of this profound truth:

Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8 NLT).

He has given us the ability to talk to God.

John helps us understand the greatness of this truth in his gospel when recounting the conversation between Jesus and the apostle Philip.

[Jesus said] "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father"(John 14:9 NIV).

Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense by N. T. Wright Destined to become a classic alongside Lewis's Mere Christianity - a fascinating and accessible apologetic for modern seekers.

Russ Lawson is a former missionary to Africa and minister in Ohio. He now works with World Christian Literature Outreach and writes a weekly email devotional, Messages from the Heart. For more information about Russ, click here.

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