In our continuing Word of the Week study forAdvent, Pastor Nathanael Mayhew defines the Biblical word Ransom.  Literally the word ransom, means to loose, and is used to describe purchasing realaese from slavery or captivity.  Psalm 49:7 says that a man cannot redeem his brother or pay to God the ransom for his soul.  There is a close connection between the words redeem and ransom.  Redemption is the act of purchasing freedom for another, but ransom is the price paid – the cost to set one free.  This is why Jesus came to this earth.  He came to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).  The price for our ransom was the death of Jesus.  We deserved death and He suffered the agonies of hell in our place to purchase our release.  Paul says that Jesus “gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).  That is what Advent is all about.  The coming of the One who would give His life on the cross to ransom us from sin, death and the devil.  What comfort is offered to sinners in that precious truth!