Monday, December 11: What Child is This?
But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem. -Luke 2:10-11a, NIV
What a night! Christ the King entered the world as a baby. Mary knew the baby was God’s son and he was to rule over the house of Jacob. She also knew that His kingdom would have no end.
A multitude of angels announced His birth to the Shepherds. They came to worship Him and proclaim the angels’ message that the baby was the Savior, the Messiah. Mary treasured and stored this message in her heart.
Does Mary have any idea of how Jesus will impact the world? Here’s this fragile, little baby, God’s son, whom she holds in her arms, wraps in swaddling clothes and lays in a manger. This wee child will one-day lead nations of people to God.
Did she know of the miracles He would perform? The number of lives He would change? The disciples and apostles who would carry His name to all nations? Was she aware of those who would come to fear and despise Him? Or know that He would be crucified, die and be buried only to rise from the dead and ascend into Heaven? How could any mother know of the future of her son? Mary knew that Jesus was the Son of the Most High and faithfully vowed to care for and nurture Him.
Heavenly Father: We are thankful for this baby; your gift to us. Our Savior arrived with a fanfare from Heaven! Oh, how blessed are we to be loved by such a merciful God who came to us in human form to die for us and set us free from sin. Through the baby, Jesus, we have the promise of salvation, as was told to the Shepherds. What child is this, indeed! Amen.