Christmas Contemplation: What Child is this?

By Pastor Steve Leppert

Most of us have been moved by the scene in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” when Linus walks to the middle of the stage and answers Charlie Brown’s question, “Isn’t there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about,” and recites Luke 2:8-14: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Some 30 years later they would be saying, “Who does this man think he is?” This child grew up and said many things that rocked the religious world of that day. The majority of people today still reject His claims. If His claim, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) but through me,” is taken seriously, it has shown to be transformative. If we look at the failures in churches and individuals alone who claim to be Christian, we are throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

As we celebrate the birth of this historic child, may we never forget who this child grew up to be. For the Christian, Jesus is, their way, their truth and their light, and none of them came to know God but through the life and work of Christ. We are told that children say the darnedest things, even profound things at times. What Child is this, it is the Christ Child. He was sent on a mission to redeem the world of its sins. I can’t think of a better present.

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