Jesus the Baby and Jesus the Adult

Jesus the Baby and Jesus the Adult                                        December 21, 2025

            Everything we know from the Scriptures indicates either spring or autumn as the time when Jesus was born.  Nevertheless, much of the world has set aside December 25 as the date of His birth.  Rather than launch into a rant excoriating people for their misunderstanding, I recommend that we take advantage of a season when most of our neighbors are at least in a positive frame of mind about Jesus.  Understanding who He is, what He did, and what He requires of us outweighs any concerns about the date about His birth.

            Who can help but love a newborn baby?  He’s tiny and sweet and innocent and helpless.  Everyone with a heart loves baby Jesus in the manger.  As a baby, He makes no demands on us.  We don’t even have to hear Him cry when He’s hungry, or when He needs changing.  In our minds we picture Him lying there quietly – no muss, no fuss.

            Jesus the grown-up is an entirely different matter.  Multitudes who practically swoon over Jesus the baby are not so keen on Jesus the adult.  After all, the grown man Jesus says things that are politically incorrect and makes demands that many find offensive.  “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).  Even some religious folks find that statement arrogant and presumptuous.  “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).  This flies in the face modern notions of tolerance and inclusiveness.

            “If you do not believe that I am He (the Christ), you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).  “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).  “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9).  Not only follow Me, but “deny (yourself), take up (your) cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).  Worldly minds find these outrageous!

            We must help our neighbors to understand that this is the same Jesus Who was born in Bethlehem and lay in that manger.  He really is the Son of God, and He has every right to say what He says and require our whole-hearted trust and obedience.  In due time we can correct the errors commonly associated with His birth (no, He wasn’t born in December, nor did the wise men visit the manger, nor did the shepherds follow a star).  But let’s get first things first.

By Joe Slater