What Child is this?

Submitted by David Miller

Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.  John 18:37

“What Child is This” is a question asked a well-loved carol which must have been uppermost in the minds of those present at Jesus' birth. We can almost hear the question being asked from one to another as they gazed into the humble manger. How difficult it must have been for them to understand that the babe who lay in "such mean estate" was truly the promised Messiah. And through the centuries men have continued to ponder who Christ really is-how can He be fully God and still fully man? Only through divine faith comes the revealed answer.

Look at the words to this song.  Look how the answer to the question “What Child is This?” rings out as it bursts forth in the refrain-"This, this is Christ the King." 

 Verse 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?

Verse 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.

Verse 3: So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh-come, Come peasant king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings -- let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Chorus: 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 thoughtful text was written by William C. Dix, one of the greatest hymn writers in history. While a successful insurance salesman in Glasgow, Scotland, he was stricken with a sudden serious illness at the age of twenty-nine. Dix was confined to bed for an extended period and suffered deep depression until he called out to God and "met Him in a new and real way." Out of this experience came many artistic and distinctive hymns, including this powerful carol. It was taken from a longer Christmas poem, "The Manger Throne," written by William Dix about 1865.

It seems fitting that I share it this Christmas season.  May we all reflect on who “This Child” truly was, and is, and is to come.  May you all experience the Christ Child in a new and powerful way this blessed season.

Scripture to Claim:
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6