What Child Is This?

 

The question asked in this well-loved carol must have been uppermost in the minds of those present at Jesus' birth. We can almost hear the question being asked from one another as they gazed into the humble manger. The triumphant answer to this question is proclaimed in the refrain - This, this is Christ the King.

The text was written by William Dix while he was confined to bed after he was stricken with a sudden serious illness at the age of 29. This carol was taken from a longer poem "The Manger Throne" by William Dix and the melody "Greensleeves" is its traditional English folk tune.

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?

Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear - for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh - come, rich and poor, 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.

This Christmas. I pray that we will teach teach our children the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus came to earth and was born in a humble manger to die upon an old rugged cross for you and me. As the shepherds shared the good news of His birth, may we too share the good news of His birth, His death, and His resurrection with all mankind for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).