Your Open Word e-Devotional for December 17th,

Published: Thu, 12/17/20

Hello ,

Today's Carol: "What Child Is This?"

Video Link: Here

"What Child Is This" was written in 1865 by an English writer named William Chatterton Dix. Mr. Dix took very ill at the age of 29 and almost died. He was sick for literally months, and suffered from severe bouts of depression during his illness. Yet, despite being debilitated William wrote this beautiful carol which was later set to the traditional tune of "Greensleeves."

As I read the following lyrics I tried to imagine a young man of 29, sick and suffering from depression penning the powerful words that have touched countless lives.

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?

Chorus

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring him laud,

The babe, the son of Mary.

(Chorus Repeat)

Why lies he in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

(Chorus Repeat)

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,

Come, peasant, king, to own him.

the King of kings salvation brings,

Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Today's Scripture: Luke Chapter 2

Let me challenge you to listen to the song one more time and listen to the music as you read Luke 2. As you dwell on the scene, (from angels singing, to the baby being born in such a humble place,) you can almost hear the cattle munching on hay, and the sheep softly bleating as Mary tenderly holds her newborn child who will change the world.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word