What is Christmas? Who is this Child?

An ancient prophecy (Isaiah 9:6-7), recorded more than 700 years before the birth of Jesus, states: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."

These words speak of the birth of no ordinary child but of God Himself coming into this world as a man to accomplish our salvation. What other child is called "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace"? And what other man healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, restored the limbs of the crippled, fed thousands with a boy's sack lunch, raised the dead and even rose from the dead himself after being put to death on a Roman cross?

People may celebrate Christmas for a variety of reasons, but the truth still remains that it is the celebration of the birth of Christ. At its center is the truth that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

The nativity account in the Gospel of Luke is far more than just another heart-warming story. It is all about what the angel announced to the shepherds: "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). "When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons" (Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus -- even His name means Jehovah saves -- is none other than Jehovah God in the flesh come into this world to redeem fallen sinners like you and me by bearing upon the cross the full punishment for all sins.

And, though people may not see it, Christ's kingdom and rule continue to grow. By the grace of God, people from every generation are coming to the knowledge of the truth and acknowledging that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and the only hope and Savior for sinful mankind. They bow before Him now, trusting in Him, and the blood He shed upon the cross, for forgiveness, pardon and peace. His kingdom continues to grow and will one day soon -- when Christ returns -- replace the kingdoms of this earth. It is then that all who have rejected Him and His rule will be condemned and all who have trusted in His name will reign with Him forever and ever.

Who is this child? He is God Himself, born of the virgin Mary and come into this world to save us from our sin and the condemnation we justly deserve! And what is Christmas? It is a celebration of the coming and birth of this Christ child that we would not be condemned but, through faith in Him, have instead everlasting life!

A blessed CHRISTmas to you through faith in the Christ Child, your Savior and mine!

Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 12/24/2014