A classic Christmas carol asks the question: What Child Is This?  And that is a not just a nice song, but a very important question to ask at Christmas time.

Who was/is Mary’s Baby Boy? The New Testament gives some amazing answers to that question. Luke reports that an angel appeared to some shepherds with glad Christmas tidings: “Today in the city of David was born to you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” But what do those titles mean?

Savior: A Savior is a rescuer, a deliverer. But what do humans need to be rescued or delivered from? An angel told Joseph: “You are to name Him Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.” If you observe hurting humanity, it is hard to deny that we need to be saved and delivered from our self-destructive attitudes, thoughts, and actions. Can this Child save us?

Christ: Christ is not a name, but a title. It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah. The Christ or Messiah was the long-awaited “Anointed One” Who was prophesied for centuries by Old Testament prophets. Can this New Born be God’s Anointed One?

Lord: The ancient Hebrews, in order to avoid using God’s name in vain, called Him Lord. Lord means “Absolute Master.” Can the Child in the manger be the Lord?

The New Testament also calls Jesus, Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Can the Christmas Babe be God in human flesh?

These are very important questions for the Christmas season and my opinion or your opinion really matters little. What matters is reality. Is Jesus really the Christ, the Lord, the Savior, and God with us? Or are these titles merely religious sentiment?

How can we discover the truth about Jesus? 1) Examine the historical documents. Set aside anti-supernatural prejudice and read the New Testament with an open mind and heart. 2) Ask the Whoever or Whatever who designed and fashioned you to reveal to you the truth. If Someone or Something could create such a marvelous being as you, surely He can communicate with you, if you are only willing to hear.