Fourth Sunday of Advent
“‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?'”
Matthew 16:15
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?1
Ask people just who baby Jesus is, and you’ll be surprised at the answers you hear. What child is this? Well, think of the answers people in the Bible gave when they heard of what happened in Bethlehem. There were plenty of people who couldn’t have cared less. They were indifferent—downright uncaring. Like the innkeeper. He had things to do, dishes to wash, beds to change, stuff to pick up at the market. No time to think about a special event. Others were cruel and even malicious, like Herod, the original Grinch who stole Christmas. He did everything in his power to stop the celebration, hunt down this so-called King, and put an end to the events God had already put into play.
Still others were frightened, even terrified—like the shepherds. It was only after the angels bent-over-backward to explain what was going on that their fears were put to rest.
Other people were curious, like the wise men—the searching types. They really wanted to know what was going on. They sensed something different, something important had happened. And they knew, without even having the Bible to guide them, that it would mean a big change for the world.
Some people waited, like Simeon in the temple. Other people hoped, like Anna the prophetess. Still, others like Mary and Joseph, they knew what child is this, and they worshiped the Lord sleeping in his mother’s arms.
Different people have different responses to Jesus and not much has changed since Bible times. How do you see yourself in this? Searching? Wanting to draw closer? Wanting to know the real story? Or are you a little indifferent—almost uncaring that another Christmas is here already? Get out the lights, go get the tree, plan the parties, yada yada…
Or do you, like the innkeeper, just have too much to do to take time and enjoy the celebration of Christ’s birth? One thing is for sure: You aren’t among the many who have no idea what’s going on. You know the story.
- W. Chatterton Dix, public domain
Joni Eareckson Tada’s 5-Part Advent Devotional
So, how will history record your response to the birth of our Savior? Download my Advent guide and answer this most important question: What child is this?
