I was sitting in a service of hymns and carols at church yesterday and one of the hymns was: What Child is This? I know the hymn and like it a lot, but I have never notice how succinctly it sums up Christmas, even the sometimes forgotten prophesy of things to come. Most hymns focus on part of the story but all of it seems to be captured in this one hymn by William C. Dix (1865).
May the story of the Christ child bring you JOY this time of year!
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 ass 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 the song on high! (The Virgin sings her lullaby.)
Joy, joy for Christ is born, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
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