My dear Reyà, long ago I witnessed something. ¹ Seemed peculiar at the time, but not especially important. Yet now I cannot drive the events from my mind. Every moment these memories haunt me…not with fear, but hope. I know, I know. Allow me to explain.

A child was born in Bethlehem. Just an ordinary baby. But the birth occurred where the animals were stabled. The mother wrapped him up and put him in a feeding trough. Imagine someone doing that! I thought, “What child is this?”

Then filthy shepherds arrived. They claimed angels had appeared, singing…yes, singing…about this baby, where he was born, and how they would find him lying in a feeding trough. The shepherds came and there he was. I wondered, “What child is this?”

Later other men came, men of obvious wealth. They said they had been following this baby’s star. A star, Reyà! They even brought gifts. The gold was likely helpful, but the rest seemed more appropriate for a funeral. I asked, “What child is this?”

We can’t know Jesus if we forget the child.

They believed he was special, yet I could tell they were afraid. Then one terrible night, soldiers intent on killing this baby entered Bethlehem and slaughtered every child two years and under. But the family was gone. And I feared, “What child is this?”

I’ve tortured my soul for the meaning of it all. Some mention a prophecy, the coming of one to save his people. I’ve heard that before. Many have claimed to be a messiah. They stirred the pride of desperate people with promises of wealth, glory, and power. All failed.

Now there’s talk of another. He has no army, nor gold to buy one. No standing or power among those in authority. And yet they fear this man from wretched Nazareth. But dear Reyà, be on guard. I have good report that he is that same child…born in such humble surroundings…proclaimed by angels and a star…sought by lowly shepherds and wealthy foreigners…whose birth led to death.

I must see him, Reyà. You must see him. And perhaps we can finally know…what child is this!

To know Jesus is to know God With Us.

A Christmas hymn begins…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? ² We sing the words but often ignore other lines of this beautiful song…Good Christians, fear, for sinners here, the silent Word is pleading. Nails, spears shall pierce him through, the cross he bore for me, for you.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. There are plays, nativities, and wonderful carols. Many fellowship with family and friends. Many more sit quietly alone. And often we are so caught up in what He was…that we forget who He is—God With Us, born to die so we might live.

May you hold Christ in your heart, not for a season but throughout the year, as each day you remember Him and better understand…What child is this.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

Ciloa Forever!

 

Chuck

 

 

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to sharing God’s encouragement and teaching others how to “encourage one another as long as it is called Today!” He is also an author, speaker, teacher, and encourager. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. You can learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

 

 

Footnotes: The original version of this Note of Encouragement, What child is this?, was published December 28, 2015. (1) Reyà is an ancient Hebrew word which means Friend. (2) What Child Is This?, by W. Chatterton Dix, 1865.

Pictures: Banner: Star of Bethlehem, photo by Haylie Gordon, December 13, 2020. (1) Baby Jesus, photo by Simon Dewey. (2) What Child Is This, Crossway Fellowship, Manassas, VA, crosswayfellowship.org.