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
This hymn begins with the question “What child is this…?” Then answers: “The King of kings” who brings “salvation.” It is hard to imagine a baby born among animals, who is greeted by kings with precious gifts; and guarded over by humble shepherds as “King of kings.” No wonder we are surprised and ask “What child is this?”
The Bible gives us the answer as it tells us that Jesus carried a cross filled with all our sins to Golgotha to pay the penalty price for sin that we could not pay. Jesus was crucified, died, and raised from the dead. God´s salvation plan is for us to hear Jesus say “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) This unexpected answer is filled with love and hope that affirms that this was a very special child.
Prayer
God, we thank you for giving your Son, Jesus Christ, to take our place on the cross, to do what we could not do for ourselves. Nurture our faith so we can share with the world with peace and love the Good News of our King and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.