What Child is This?

What child is this?

“The babe, the son of Mary.”

“She gave birth to a firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:7)

Far too many people think of the Christmas story as a quaint, cerebral affair – angels with fluttering wings, animals in a comfy manger nuzzling up against sweet baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary admiring the baby, and Jesus sleeping peacefully.

All of that is pleasant to imagine, but woefully inaccurate. In reality there was massive spiritual warfare taking place; in fact, if you want a glimpse behind the curtain of Christmas, study Revelation 12. And beyond spiritual warfare, there was earthly strife. The manger Jesus was born in was not an idyllic haven of peace, it was a stinky last resort.

In many ways, Jesus’ birth was a precursor to the rest of his life: “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” (Matthew 8:20).

What child is this?

“The King of kings, salvation brings.”

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“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.’” (Luke 2:8-11)

Jesus represents good news of great joy for all of the people! The Messiah wasn’t born to be a savior for the chosen Jewish people only, he was born to be a Savior for all who place their faith in Him.

What child is this?

“This, this is Christ the King.”

The Bible points to two Advents – the first has already taken place, but the second is yet to come. At First Advent Jesus came to us as an infant; at Second Advent, no one will mistake who Jesus is, because His glory and power will be unmistakable:

“At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.  And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:30-31)

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
(Rev. 19:16)

 

Merry Christmas from your friends at Luminex!