What Child is this?

“We spent a lot of time over the past month devoted to the birth of Jesus. Who is this child, really?”—Joy
The birth of Jesus is a pivotal moment in a larger story. The heart of the Christian message is that a holy, loving God condescended to take on flesh, “pouring Himself out” as it were (Phil. 2:5ff), for the sake of sinful man who cannot save himself. The God-Man Jesus took upon Himself the penalty of sin (I Cor. 15:3), making possible through His death forgiveness of sin and eternal life for all who believe (Jn. 1:12).

Christmas celebrates this act of “God with us”, a promise long foretold in Israel’s history (e.g., Isa. 9:6ff); an historical event which took place in Bethlehem (Lk. 2: 1-20); and a vital chapter in “salvation history”, the defining moment of which was at the cross on Calvary.

A well-known Christmas hymn speaks directly to the question. Written in 1865 by William C. Dix, the words of this carol distill in poignant poetry the message of Scripture concerning the reason for the birth of Jesus (see Lk. 2:1-38; 23:33ff; Jn. 19:34; I Cor. 1:18ff; I Tim. 6:14-15).

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?

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through
The cross be born for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom Shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Christmas transcends the familiar Bethlehem scene. The angels’ song greets us in the New Year, speaking personally to each of us. This story, this Child, holds the answers to the deepest longings of our heart.