Carol: “What Child Is This?” – William C. Dix (1827-1898)
Tune: GREENSLEEVES
A carol that begins with a question, winds its way through
the manger scene, speaks some theology, calls forth the magi (and us) to bring
him gifts honoring his arrival, and in most editions, ends with this line: Let
loving hearts enthrone him.”
We all have to ask ourselves during these weeks leading up
to Christmas who we think this is? We find ourselves with the very adult words
of Jesus ringing in our ears: “Who do people say that I am?” That leaves us
wide open for answers like the One who ushers in the most profitable
merchandising season every year, the do-gooder of Galilee, the man who healed
people and preached a lot. Ultimately, we are faced with the second half of
that inquiry: “Who do YOU say that I am?” Hopefully it doesn’t take us long to
agree with Peter’s assessment that this baby is the Christ, the Son of the
Living God.
He was that from the beginning, you know – not just after he
began his adult ministry. You might say he was that from the VERY beginning,
but for sure I think we would all agree that from his first earth-breath, he
was the Son of Jehovah.
With it’s repeated “This,
this is Christ the King,” in many ways, this carol could serve as our ‘confession
of faith’ during the Advent season.
May those of us who love our Christ put him in his rightful
place… on the throne of our lives. From there may he rule not only in December,
but all year long.
Josh Groben Sings This
Stanza First!
This Carol on Guitars
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