It was one of those youth gatherings where we sat in a circle and talked. You name it, there were any number of issues that would be raised. I would be asked to give an opinion as to what they should do. I never gave them my opinion. What I did do, however, was to say that if they did a certain thing there would be a certain consequence, or if they did another thing such and such would be the result. Then I would say, “It’s your decision, make up your mind”
This incident in Jesus’ life is much like that. The officials really have their own opinion about Jesus, but they want him to say one thing or the other. Jesus does not answer their question. He presents two possible explanations, and then he leaves them to make up their mind, which in fact they were not able or willing to do.
So it is with the birth of Jesus. From beginning to end it is the work of God or it is not. Make up your mind. Perhaps it takes the question of a little child. “Did it really, really happen like they say?
O God, in a time of doubts and fears, may the meaning and wonder of Christmas come to us, our friends and family, and to our nation in a new way. Amen. — SN