WEDNESDAY December 18, 2019

What Kind of Child Will This Be?

Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Luke 1:65-66

Imagine, all the people who lived around Zacharias and Elizabeth were in awe of what was happening. They began to discuss the miraculous events surrounding the birth of this newborn child––John. At first Zacharias was mute, and the people perceived he had seen a vision in the temple. Then Elizabeth, in her old age, conceived and gave birth to a son! Now, after the child was given the unexpected name of John by his father, Zacharias began to speak again. As the people discussed these unusual events, news began to spread throughout all the hill country of Judea.

What did these extraordinary happenings mean? Clearly the people were aware that God was doing something miraculous, even though they could not understand the full picture of His plan. So for the time being, they kept what was spoken in their hearts. They were left with a probing question in their minds, “What kind of child will this be?”

Among all those people in the hill region of Judea who had heard what had transpired, were there any who could truly perceive what had happened, according to the Scriptures, concerning John the Baptist and his ministry in relation to Christ?

A similar question can be asked about Christ. “What Child is this?” Many people enjoy a commercialized holiday, but they do not understand the spiritual significance of Christmas. Perhaps family members will ask you about the babe lying in the manger, saying, “What Child is this?” Will you be able to answer them? Tell them the Christmas story and share that this Child is Christ our Savior!

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?
~William Chatter Dix~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!