There is one more person we want to ask about this matter, and that is God Himself. It is right that we should do this, for we can imagine a case in which the parentage of a child is disputed and the question is therefore finally put to the alleged father, “Are you the father of this child?” This is the case in which we find ourselves with Jesus. He has been declared to be the unique child of God by three appearances of angels. We are inclined to believe angels, though in such a case we might find the word of mere human beings questionable. But what of the Father? What does He say? Does He acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth as His Son?
That direct word is not given in the Christmas story, though everything in it may be said rightly to have come to us from God. Instead we have to wait for that direct word for thirty years. We have to wait for the time at which the Lord begins His ministry. You know the story. After the events of those early years, which included the murder of the innocents and the flight into Egypt, Jesus was brought back to Nazareth, where He lived in Joseph’s home and presumably learned Joseph’s trade. He grew to manhood “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). One day He appeared at the Jordan River where His cousin John had been preaching and baptizing. He presented Himself for baptism, which John was reluctant to do. John said, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matt. 3:14). Jesus said that it was proper for him to do this since He had come to “fulfill all righteousness.”
So John baptized Jesus. Jesus then came up out of the water, and at that moment heaven was opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon Him and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (verse 17). This is my Son! It is the voice of God, and this is God’s testimony. The angels announced this truth. Now the Father Himself has confirmed it. In the mouth of two or three witnesses, and those of the greatest and most trustworthy character, it has been established.
Only one thing remains: not to seek for further witnesses, but meekly to add our confession to God’s own. Is this child of Christmas God’s Son? Is He God with us? Then let us acknowledge Him as such. Let us worship Him and show by the obedience of our lives that He is indeed who He is so clearly declared to be.
I return to the question with which I began:
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?
The hymn writer knew.
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
This, this is Christ the King, The babe, the Son of Mary.