CHRISTMAS, A CALL TO WORSHIP: WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2: 1-2
The Christmas carol ‘What Child Is This?’ was written by William Dix in 1865. While recovering from a critical illness, Dix gave his heart to the Lord Jesus and that experience led him to write the lyrics to this carol.
What Child is this, who, laid 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!
Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?
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.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high, the Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
The song begins in the manger with the Child sleeping on His mother’s lap, accompanied by angels and shepherds. But the second verse asks why He was lying “in such mean estate.” It goes on to speak of the reason for the coming of Christ Jesus which was to make possible the salvation of sinners, and calls attention to the nails and his death on the cross that He would one day endure on our behalf. The third verse moves to a joyful tone, asking us to bring Jesus incense and gold and myrrh. The reason is simple. The King of kings has come to bring us salvation. This Christmas season, think about all that Jesus has done for you. He died that we might be freed from sin. What offering would be appropriate to give to the One who changed your life and gave you hope, freedom, and victory? Today, just like those magi some 2,000 years ago, bring Him your very best and make Him the King of your heart and life.
In Him,
Pastor Brian