What Child is this?

Very often, we see men lying on the side-walk, passed out due to excessive drinking. It is not that women do not get into the drinking problem. They do, but it is just that we do not see them on the side-walks! When I see such scenes, I invariably think of the mother who gave birth. When the nurse or the doctor who assisted in the delivery called out to say that a baby boy was born, there must have been great rejoicing! No one would have imagined that he would end up on the side-walk in the later years! No one can ever know how any child will turn out. Some turn out well, bringing glory to God. But, some fall prey to the desires of the flesh and the devices of the devil! When Zacharias wanted to name his son 'John,' people were perplexed, and when his mouth opened after he wrote the name 'John,' they were amazed. The Bible says that all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" (Luke 1:66). We all know what kind of person John the Baptist turned out to be. He came to prepare the way for Jesus!

William Chatterton Dix, an English writer of hymns and carols (1865), asked the same question,

What Child is this who laid to rest

On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

And he goes on to answer his question:

This, this is Christ the King,

Every prophecy regarding the birth of Christ was fulfilled on that first Christmas day. In the same way, every single prophecy regarding the return of Christ as the King will also be fulfilled. The Bible says, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father (Mark 13:32)." Jesus is patiently waiting to come back because He is giving us as much time as possible to choose to follow Him. Jesus wants everyone to repent and return to Him. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

My friend, if Christ is our Saviour, we can boldly say on this Christmas morn, Maranatha, "Come Lord Jesus!" May His coming be a blessing to us!

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 24th December 2019 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 25th December 2019

---