As a teenager, I stood out on my back porch and wondered if I had any personal connection to God. Earlier that night at youth group, the leader asked us individually to pray out loud during the meeting. I realized I didn’t know who I was praying to.
WHAT DID MARY’S QUESTION MEAN?
Mary had her own questions, “What child is this who lay to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping” This was first asked by Mary. From the very beginning Mary knew that this child was going to be incredibly special, but what did that exactly mean?
THE AUTHOR OF THIS CAROL
William Chatterton Dix wrote this carol in 1865. He worked for an insurance company until afflicted by a life-threatening illness. His illness caused him to go into a severe depression, wanting to give up on life. But God had other plans.
Dix discovered a Bible during this time and began to read it. Writing this hymn and combining it with the truths of scripture were able to bring Dix to a fuller understanding about the question, “What child is this.” This is the same question Mary had from the very beginning; the same question the shepherds had; the same question I asked on my back porch. Over the centuries countless individuals have pondered this.
THE ANSWER TO ALL QUESTIONS
And then the writer gives the only answer he can: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing, haste, haste, to bring him laud, the babe, the Son of Mary.
THE SOURCE OF ALL WISDOM
Make this a special Christmas; don’t just sing the song that asks: What child is this? But for the first time admit that He is Christ the King. Discover when you are depressed and lost, the King is the only One that can help. Realize that when you have questions about life and family and personal struggles, the King is ready to give answers through His Word, the Bible. He helped Mary and William Dix. And He helped me standing on my back porch to become a child of God.
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.