In the familiar Christmas carol, that not-so-simple question starts verse one: "What Child is this?"

And while the sweet hymn goes on to elaborate on what and who the child will be, I think the days before Christmas, despite their tendency to be anything but hushed and expectant... I think these days ask us to pause and consider the "child" question for ourselves.

Look at your life and your world, and shine the light of this question into every corner. That person in your life, even or especially the problematic one: What child is this? 

That hope and longing you almost dare not speak: What child is this?

The resolve, the insight, the imperative that has newly come upon you: What child is this? 

The world's need that you find inescapable: What child is this? 

Christmas asks that we claim the child and not turn away. And move with faith and curiosity into the future the child naturally brings us into. Robert A. Raines, former director of the Kirkridge Retreat Center, said this about the sign of, all things, a baby:

"God speaks to us in the special sign language of a baby. A baby is birth, beginning potential without guarantee. A baby is helpless but not hopeless. A baby is someone to watch. A baby is the future appearing now."

Where in your life in the "future appearing now?" In your family? In your church? Your workplace? In what ways are you the baby who is someone to watch?

And if that future has not yet appeared, give it time; some Advents and Christmas times are inner affairs that happen in July. But also consider the famous and ever-timely invitation of mystic and theologian Meister Eckhart:

"What good is it that Christ was born 2,000 years ago if he is not born now in your heart? Lord, we do for too much celebrating your actual historical coming. I believe in God in heaven, but do I believe in God-on-earth? I believe in God out there, but do I believe in God-with-us? Holy Unutterable God, be born in my heart. Come alive in me this Christmas! Amen."

Amen indeed. Blessings on all within you that is nascent this Christmas.