What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
Written by businessman W. Chatterton Dix and performed by the Piano Guys
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!
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]
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
[Chorus]
Not all those who write Christian hymns or Christmas carols (or even preach and teach) are clergy or music ministers. One of the beautiful things about Christianity is that the same Holy Spirit dwelling in the hearts of pastors and worship leaders also dwells in the hearts of average men and women of faith. Yet when they are inspired by His illumination, gifted with His power and skill, they too can be powerful witnesses for Christ.
At Jesus’ birth, who came? Shepherds, unschooled average shepherds. Later, “to the house” (Matthew 2:11), who came? Magi, wise men, scientist/priests “from the East” who knew astronomy, astrology, interpreted dreams, and had great wisdom, perhaps even served as royal advisors. They were also educated enough in other religions to know there was biblical prophecy about the King of the Jews. These were not Jewish men. They were Gentiles.
The manger scene announced by angels and revealed to Jewish shepherds, later to the house where Gentile wise men would seek Him is a picture of the Good News going out from the Jews to include the Gentile world. “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)
Principle: The Messiah came for all who would repent and believe.
Aim: To understand that Jesus is from the Jews but meant also as a Light to the Gentiles.
At Christmas, a prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your birth, Your life, Your death and resurrection, for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and Your plan from before Creation. Thank You for Your inclusiveness regarding Your Image-bearers throughout all nations and being a Light to us all. We praise You for the good news of Messiah so that You can draw people from every nation to repent and believe what You have done for all people. While we know that some will refuse to repent, refuse to believe, and refuse to acknowledge You as Lord, we are grateful that each man, woman, and child upon this earth throughout all time will have been given opportunity to see You for Who You are. Wise men and women still seek You as Savior. We praise You at Christmas and always. Amen.