What Child is This? (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 296)
1 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
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.
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.
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.
Raise, raise the song on high,
the virgin sings her lullaby;
joy, joy for Christ is born,
the babe, the son of Mary.
Text: William C. Dix; Music: English ballad; Public Domain
Devotion
In verse 3 of this hymn, we sing: “The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.” This is a beautiful example of receiving and giving that is often seen during worship services.
My father taught me how to come to the Lord’s Table, just like his father had taught him, with hands outstretched and held together to form a small boat-shaped cup. He said I could expect to receive into my hands the real presence of Christ´s body given for the forgiveness of my sins.
Later in the worship service, as the offering basket came near, my father asked: “How thankful are you for what you received in your hands?” Filled with the Holy Spirit, I quickly reached into my pocket and pulled out all that I had. It was not much, so I asked Dad, “Can you help me with more?” Smiling, he replied, “Yes” This is how loving hearts enthrone Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to come into our world to be our Lord and Savior. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit that keeps us aware of the fullness of your presence with and within us always. We give back to you from our hearts to honor you. Amen.