Christ in the Carols Series Episode 3

Hello, my walking friend! Today is the 3rd episode in the Christ in the Carols series. In each podcast during this series we will listen to the lyrics of different Christmas carols and learn a little about the history of the song.

Today’s Christmas carol is What Child Is This? and the Bible verse we will be meditating on is Luke 1:30-33:

The angels said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has shown you his grace. Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of King David, his ancestor. He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

Let’s listen to the lyrics of What Child is This?:

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 the song on high!
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! joy! for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!

The lyrics to What Child Is This? were written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix. He decided to put the lyrics to a tune that was already popular, called Greensleeves. William had a near-death experience, and as is true with many people, this led to a spiritual awakening. Subsequently, he was inspired to write many inspirational hymns but none as famous as What Child Is This?

This is one of those hymns that causes me to really choke up. Have you ever held a newborn in your arms? There’s something so truly precious about the experience of holding a sweet, helpless baby in your arms. It is easy for me to imagine Mary holding Jesus in her arms and wondering about this promised child. Her son but also her savior. Did she know what lay ahead for Jesus? We know and I am holding back tears as I say this. Jesus suffered… alot. He suffered for us. He suffered for Mary. And wondering if she knew this baby she held so dear would have to suffer so much for her… and for us, breaks my heart.

What child is this is a question that every human being must answer. Do you believe this child, Jesus, is the Son of God, the Messiah, who came to earth to die for your sins? Do you accept his gift of salvation, through faith? One day, every knee will bow at the name of Jesus, whether you have accepted him as your savior or not.

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!

What Child Is This is a song that hits at the heart of the gospel message – he comes bringing good news, for those who will receive him as their Savior. So how do you answer – what child is this? One that loves us so much that he wishes none to perish – for sinners here, the silent word is pleading.

Take some time now to let the words and meaning of this song, and the words of Luke 1:30-33 sink deep into your heart and soul.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards of developing this discipline are great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions to guide you followed by a short interlude for reflection.

In today’s verse, we are told that the kingdom of Jesus will last forever. How does it make you feel to know that, as one who has accepted Jesus as their Savior, you will be with Jesus in his kingdom?

Consider the verse from the song, “for sinners here the silent word is pleading.” How does it make you feel to know that Jesus, the Word, is pleading for sinners to accept his gift of salvation?

Jesus loves you so much that he was willing to suffer for you. Take some time to reflect on his great love for you and to thank him.

Now let’s listen again to today’s verse one more time:
Luke 1:30-33:

The angels said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has shown you his grace. Listen! You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of King David, his ancestor. He will rule over the people of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to and to thank Jesus now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for loving us so much that you would go to any lengths to save us from our sins. Thank you for the human parents, Mary and Joseph, who cared for you while you were a vulnerable child. Thank you for William Dix who penned the words to this carol. I pray, Lord, that those who hear it will ask themselves the question, what child is this? I pray that they will sincerely seek an answer. You have promised that those who earnestly, sincerely seek you will find you. Let this song be a reminder to us of your suffering, suffering that you willingly accepted because of your great love for us. Jesus, help us love you as you deserve. Amen.

Well, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with the Lord. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. But more importantly, you walked with Jesus, the Word made flesh.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description. The show notes will include a video of the carol, What Child Is This?

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. We will be learning about the carol, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.