WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

          Whenever I read the Christmas story from the book of Luke to my family , I usually ponder what it might have been like to have been in Bethlehem on that first Christmas Day. I imagine that most of the visitors and residents didn't even know that a baby was born.  They missed it all.  There were probably others, like the inn keeper, who knew of the birth of a baby but had no idea of who the baby really was.  Perhaps some might have asked "What Child is this?", but I doubt that they really found the answer.  They, too, missed the meaning of this birth, one of the most significant events in the history of the world.  But for the shepherds who were summoned by the angels, they knew for the angels had proclaimed that to them.  And for believers through the centuries it is now a rhetorical question for we, too, know the answer.  He is Christ the King!  The question expresses awe and wonder about something we know to be true, but find almost too good to be true.  The lyrics of this carol are taken from a poem written by William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898), in 1865, called "The Manger Throne".  At the time of composing the carol, Dix worked as an insurance company manager and had been struck by a severe illness. While recovering, he underwent a spiritual renewal and his heart was filled with the poetry of worship. That led him to write several hymns, including lyrics to this carol that was subsequently set to the tune of "Greensleeves", a traditional English folk song. Although it was written in England, the carol is probably more popular in the United States than in its country of origin today.   Dix wrote over 40 hymns, including many songs for Christmas and Easter. Another of his carols that has endured is "As With Gladness, Men Of Old", set to a melody by Konrad Kocher. The hymns he wrote include "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" and "To You Oh Lord Our Hearts We Raise."  The context of his carol centers around the adoration of the shepherds, who visited Jesus during his nativity. The questions posed in the lyrics reflect what the shepherds were possibly pondering to themselves when they encountered Him. The rest of the carol provides a response to their questions.  The second verse contains another question that is answered, while the final verse is a universal appeal to everyone urging them "to accept Christ"  May we never tire of the Christmas story that shares how the Son of God willingly left all the riches and glory of heaven and came to this earth to be born in a lowly stable.  He did that so He could eventually give His life for us on the Cross so we could become part of his family.  Hopefully that truth still stirs and thrills your soul today.  Pause often during this busy Christmas season to thank Him for what He has done.  And remember that the response to the question "What child is this?" is "This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing."  An amazing truth!  Most hymnbooks list the following three verses as those written by Dix.

1   What child is this

Who lay to rest

On Mary's lap is sleeping

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud

The Babe, the Son of Mary

2    Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud

The Babe, the Son of Mary

3 * So bring him incense, gold and myrrh

Come peasant king to own him

The King of Kings salvation brings

Let loving hearts enthrone him

This, this is Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud

The Babe, the Son of Mary

Incidentally, some sources on the internet also include various combinations of the following verses.  I could not find where they come from.  If you happen to know, please reply below with a comment.

O raise, raise a song on high

His mother sings a lullaby

Joy, oh joy for Christ is born

The Babe, the son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate,

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christians, fear, for sinners here,

The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,

The cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

O raise, raise a song on high

His mother sings a lullaby

Joy, oh joy for Christ is born

The Babe, the son of Mary

Thank you for faithfully visiting this blog during the past months.  May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a Christ centered New Year.

Listen to this week's choice here.   LISTEN

I've also included a nice violin rendition for your enjoyment.  VIOLIN