As the shepherds and wise men made their journey to see a baby boy lying in a manger, did they realize who it was they beheld? Certainly the angelic host and the bright shining star impressed upon them the significance of their pilgrimage, but did they recognize the Messiah?

Sadly, there are many people in our world who still do not recognize Jesus as God's Son, the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings. Some people take the time to place a nativity scene on a table at Christmastime, and yet they do not understand the significance of the baby Jesus.

Colossians 1:15-16 describes Jesus in this way: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth... all things have been created through Him and for Him." In other words, He is the One who sustains all things. He is the One who is in absolute control of every single thing that happens.

So here He is, lying in a manger, splitting time in half with the most powerful name in all the earth. He was born into a world that He himself created - born to live his life before men.

Laying aside all the glory that was His, He took upon Himself the form of a man - and not just a man, but a bondservant. He did this because the Father sent Him for a purpose.

Is He just another baby? No. He is the magnificent Son of God, the Messiah, the Most Holy One. Give Him your praise.

- Author Unknown -