What Child Is This

 

What Child is This?

Theology in the Trenches

By Kathleen Kjolhaug

 

Amidst the throngs of the angels strong—a voice was heard. Presentation is everything so when the packaged arrived—it was pure gift and will always be to all who receive.

Tis the season, you know—for announcing the Good news. All creation groaned and still does as hallowed be Thy name. The sacred beckons to come tarry. We are oft more soft to the sacred—to the whispers of the seasonal reminders—this time of year.

There’s a quiet in the air as we await the cries to come. Waiting for the coming of that which was promised so long ago cycles round and we never tire. We never tire of hearing the story yet once again. Truth is, when Truth is spoken, we can’t get enough. The reminders come in picture form. They come in passages of scripture read, or songs sung, or pauses taken as we look upon the manger awaiting that which is to come.

And the little voice upon the plane we were on—returning from our journey from across the ocean was heard above the din of the jet engines. Nothing could out do the refreshing lilt of joy erupting from the little child. Giggles, peek-a-boo in between the seats, and nose pressed to glass window mesmerized those looking on.

Nothing else matters when you behold a child—all else follows as first the child, and only then our needs may be met. Little saints in the making they are—made in the image of Him—they are. Oh we all have our days—especially little children. They are sometimes off, sometimes off and running, and other times just spilling over with youthful energy acting as a connector to all those looking on.

And what about this child we are beholding this time of year? It’s all about a Silent Night which became a Holy Night and all else follows the child. When one follows the star—one follows the child who becomes the Light of the world. First the child and only then does anything else make sense.

What child is this? It is Christ…the King and the angels did sing and ever since then a joyful noise may be heard—as unto the Lord. 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, Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6).

May the peace of the Christ-child be yours this season and may you receive what is offered as pure gift. Receiving it is gift back to the Giver. Merry Christmas to each of you. Know you are prayed for. Know you are deeply loved by Christ who was born on Christmas morn for you—for me—for us. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and may it be so forever and ever.  Amen.