The Carols of Christmas - What Child Is This?

Imagine the awe Mary felt as she held her son, the amazement of the shepherds upon seeing the baby in the manger, the wonder of the Magi when the star led them to Jesus’ house.  Imagine Anna and Simeon holding the baby at the temple.  They saw a child, and they knew he was no ordinary child.  But could they process the truth?.  Maybe they asked the question that others would ask, as they gazed at him.  What child is this?  Can this really be the One foretold by the ancients, the Seed that would crush the serpent’s head, the fulfillment of all the prophet’s hopes? 

  

Other than “Silent Night,” which is in a class all by itself, this is my favorite Christmas carol.  The minor key is a haunting setting for the song’s message. It asks the crucial question of Christmas.   Who was the baby sleeping on Mary’s lap?  It is the question that each of us must answer, and that answer will not only define our lives, but also our eternity. 

The question is answered in the chorus.  This is, indeed, the promised Messiah, Christ the King.  His life of obedience, righteousness, and miraculous power forever settled the question.  It is right that we “bring him laud,” that we praise the babe, the Son of Mary.

Then, the second verse asks another question:  Why is he here?  Why lies he in such mean estate?

The answer to that question is the second line.  For sinners here the silent Word is pleading.  The baby was in the manger so that salvation could come to the world.  He was the Word of God, who would declare God’s love with unmistakable clarity.  He may have been snuggled quietly in Mary’s arms that night, but his life, his perfection, his sacrifice, would communicate God’s love in a voice no force on earth could silence. 

The third verse answers a third question.  What do I do about it?  The Child is Christ, the King, and he is come as God’s Word of love to sinners.  Now, how am I supposed to respond?  What is the answer?  Let loving hearts enthrone him. 

That, my friend, is really the only question left in the Christmas story.  Jesus answered all the questions asked at his birth.  He lived a perfect life, fulfilling all God’s righteousness.  He offered himself as the sacrifice for our sins.  He died for us, was buried, and rose again on the third day.  He broke the chains of death and hell, triumphing over them.  And God exalted him to the highest place, and gave him the name above all names. 

The questions of the first two verses of this carol are forever settled.  Who is he?  Why did he come?  Jesus is seated on the throne at God’s right hand.  He is King of kings and Lord of lords.  Of that there can be no doubt. 

The only question left is, will you enthrone him in your heart?  Will you recognize Jesus’ rightful place as not only the Lord of all, but the Lord of your life?  Will you submit to him and live life by his Spirit?  Who is going to hold the reigns of authority in your life? 

The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him.