The Christmas Carols: Past, Present, & Future HopeSample

Day 16

What Child is This?

Read: Matthew 16:13-20; 1 Peter 1:3

At the age of 29 William Dix was living in Glasgow, Scotland, working as an insurance salesman. He contracted a serious illness that left him in bed and also (eventually) depressed. For the promising young hymn writer, his illness threatened to limit his ministry. But, the Lord is not restricted by our limitations. In our weakness, the strength of the Lord is often most clearly seen.

It was from this bed of despair that William Dix wrote the hymn “What Child is This?” The song is a simple Q&A style, where the verses ask questions which the chorus answers.

• Question: “What child is this that lay to rest in Mary’s lap sleeping?”
• Answer: “This, this is Christ the King!”

In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was. Dix’s song points Jesus’ words forward to us. During the Christmas season, we see depictions of Baby Jesus everywhere. As we see these depictions of Jesus, may we ask ourselves the question of the song, “What child is this who laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” Some say that Jesus was simply a prophet or a religious leader, but who do you say Jesus is? Is He just those things, or something more?

May we come to know (as Peter did in Matthew 16) that Jesus is the Christ (Savior), the Son of the Living God. And because He is a living God, He offers us a living hope, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).”

From a place of personal frailty, Dix reminded us of the power of God in Christ. The Child that lay sleeping on Mary’s lap offers hope and life to all who come to know His true identity and trust in Him.Who do you say this child is?

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 lamb 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 a song on high.
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born!
The Babe, the Son of Mary.