Stephanie Shott

In 1865, while recovering from an almost fatal illness, William Chatterton Dix penned the words to the famous Christmas carol, "What Child Is This?" Who is this Jesus? Why did He have to come and die? Why the cross? These are questions every heart beats to answer...and how we answer it will determine our eternal destiny.

When Jesus spoke peace to the crashing waves that surrounded their boat, the disciples cried out, "What manner of man is this that even the winds and the seas obey His voice?" Reluctant to believe Jesus was who He said He was, the Jews declared, "If You are the Christ, tells us plainly." When Pilate questioned Jesus, he asked, "Are You the King of the Jews?"

Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Then he narrowed the focus to personal faith as He posed the life-altering question, "But who do you say that I am?"

This Christmas, we look into the manger with awe and like Dix, we wonder, "What Child is This?" Like the disciples we are amazed by His power, His glory and His majesty and our hearts cry out, "What manner of man is this that all of nature obeys Him?"

Take a few minutes to read the lyrics to this wonderful song and worship the Lord. He is Jesus, our Savior and King. He is the One who spoke this world into being, yet He speaks to our wandering hearts; He has inscribed us on the palm of His hands; He loves us with an ever lasting love; He will never leave us or forsake us; He calls us His beloved, He calls us His friends.

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 ass are feeding
Good Christian fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant king to own Him
The King of kings, salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary

May this Christmas be a time when we all declare...This child is Jesus...He is Christ the King...He brings salvation to every willing heart. Praise Him. Praise His glorious name!