What Child is This?

William Dix (1837-98)

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?
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

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

               Christmas invites us to wonder (verb) and to wonder (noun). As you read through this poetic meditation on Christ’s birth it is an invitation to wonder about the meaning of Jesus birth, what motivated Him to do something so drastic, to leave heaven and to rest in a feed trough. And join in the wonder, the amazement, the awe of Christ the King who will be pierced for our sins, bearing a cruel cross for me, for you.

               Wonder (verb) and wonder (noun) are good words for Christmas Day. May your celebrations be filled with both and we rejoice in the Babe, the Son of Mary.

Prayer

               O Lord, what wondrous love You have shown to us! We rejoice in You today, and we wonder at Your birth and sacrifice; the wonder of your salvation and love! Amen.