Who Was He?

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  -  Isaiah 9:6

Cold and afraid, in the dark of the night.  Surrounded by animals in the stable.  God provided salvation to the world through a child.  A baby shivering in the night air, comforted by his mother Mary and father Joseph, who themselves were afraid.  The King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Savior of the world was born in the most humble of settings. 

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?

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come peasant, king, to own him;
the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

We’ve all seen some sort of nativity re-creation, depicting a kneeling Mary, a strong and confident Joseph and a small baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (a feed trough).  Have you ever attempted to insert yourself into that scenario?  What if you were the inn-keeper that cold evening, would you have found a room for a pregnant women?  What if you were Joseph, would you have lost your temper with God for putting you in this situation?  What if you were Mary, no mid-wife, no nurse, no doctor, no medication, no warm towels nor ice chips.  I’m sure this isn’t the setting which Mary had in mind for giving birth to the holy Son of God.

Imagine being Mary.  The angel Gabriel has come to you and told you that you would bear the Son of God.  You’re Jewish heritage helps you realize that the Messiah is to come as the Savior of the children of Israel.  She must have been confused, alarmed, scared and humbled to have been chosen by God directly.  What would this mean to his life on this earth?  How could she provide a life for the Son of God that is worthy of His holiness?  I have a 14 year old daughter, and I can’t imagine the shock and fear that would be present in her mind if she were informed of this same message.

What child is this, that will change the world?  What child this, that we will still be following, debating, discussing and celebrating 2000 years later?  What child is this, brings eternal salvation to those whom believe?  A single birth established the basis for the Gregorian calendar that we use to this very day.  More books have been written about this child than any other person in history.  His, is a name that is known in every country of the world.  Since his life and death, more people have chosen to believe in his path to salvation than any other path to eternity or paradise.

What child is this?  This, this is the Son of God, the King of Kings, Prince of Peace and Lord of Lords – the Savior of mankind, the Messiah for the children of Israel. 

Be Blessed,

Rich

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