Article December 20, 1982 Issue

Responding to Christ

EVELYN M. S. DUCKETT

A little girl who had been rehearsing a Nativity play at her kindergarten asked her mother, "When can we go to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus?"

All Christians treasure the story of the birth of Jesus, cherishing Christmas and all it stands for. But we don't really have to go to Bethlehem—or anywhere else—to recapture the significance of that event. Christ Jesus' birth, his mature conversation at the age of twelve with the temple elders, his teaching and healing and their culmination in his resurrection and ascension—these add up to a record that is unique in inspiration, undying in its appeal to children of all ages.

The realization of the full implication of the gospel narrative continues to unfold as we recognize not just the birth of a baby but also the dawning of an idea—the Christ-idea. Then we can share the healing power of Jesus' teachings, as well as the inspiration of his example.

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