“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!”
Scripture Reference: Luke 2:8 – 14
As we enter this Advent season, we are invited to ponder the profound question posed in the carol, What Child Is This? Each stanza encourages us to contemplate the significance of the child born in Bethlehem. Who is this child?
The shepherds, who were the first to witness this miraculous event, were ordinary people chosen to receive extraordinary news. Imagine what the shepherds were thinking…Why are we being pulled from tending our flock to see a child? In a manger surrounded by cows? (ox and ass) We are shepherds, not farmers!
What child is this? An angel answers the question this way in the presence of the shepherds “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”. The hymn writer answers “This, this is Christ the King.” Both want to leave us no doubt regarding the identity of this child.
Children are our most precious resource, because they represent not only the future, but are signs of God’s love in a broken world. The magical influence of a child can bring light into a darkened world.
Prayer: Lord, as we journey through Advent, open our hearts to the wonder of Your incarnation. Help us to embrace the mystery of this child, who brings hope and light to our lives. May we find peace in our daily struggles and share that peace with those around us. Amen.
Barry Wells