What Child Is This?

I always look forward to that time of the year when we pull the dust off the Christmas carols and for three to four weeks insert them into our church services.  Not only that, but we even get to hear them at times while shopping in the mall or listening to the radio.  Unfortunately, however, after singing them so many times and hearing them for so many years, it’s easy to lose touch with the true meaning of the songs and allow them to simply become words flowing off our tongues with little impact upon our lives. 

One of my favorite is “What Child Is This?” written by William Chatterdon Dix in 18656 and set to the music of the English folk song, “Greensleeves.” The song begins by asking us to look into the stable wherein the baby Jesus lies.  As we do we are forced to ask a number of questions regarding whom this baby really is.  We have to ask, “What child is this?”  And, why is it we celebrate his birth?  Who is it whom, “on Mary’s lap is sleeping?”  Who is this baby “whom angels greet with anthems sweet?”  And, why is he lying “where ox and ass are feeding?”  They are good questions for us to ask lest we go through the Christmas season without a realization of what Christmas is really all about. 

Well, you probably know the answer found in the chorus of the song, “This, this is Christ the King!”  In other words, he is not an ordinary baby.  He is the One sent by God to be our Messiah and Savior!  He is the King of kings and Lord of lords who has come as “the silent Word,” pleading for the salvation of sinners like you and me (see verse 2). 

The prophet Isaiah answered the question, with these words, “He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  (Isaiah 9:6b – NIV)  The child born in Bethlehem was so much more than an ordinary baby. He contained in him the fullness of God. He came to fulfill the plan of God.  Thus, we must respond to him as the carol calls us to: “Haste, haste to bring him laud….” And, “Let loving hearts enthrone him!”

This Christmas, won’t you take the time to ask yourself, “What child is this?”  And, as you answer the question I encourage you to open up your heart to him and to worship him!  After all, “This, this is Christ the King” the One sent to save you from your sin!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris