December 23 & 24, 2017
Invisible Dad
What Child is This? - Part 4
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 Christians, fear, for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spears shall pierce Him through,
The cross He bore 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 a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
These lyrics of the famous Christmas carol, “What Child Is This?” were written in 1865 by Englishman William Chatterton Dix. Throughout the various stanzas, the song poses an important question, well worth our pondering: who is this baby in the Bethlehem manger?
It is interesting to note the characters mentioned overtly such as the Christ child, His mother, Mary, shepherds, angels and even two forms of feeding livestock. While not specifically named, the recognizable actions of the wise men are referenced as the ones who brought their well-known gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh. All the characters normally present in a Nativity are accounted for and in place, except one.
Do you notice who is missing from the stable scene roll call, either by name or by referenced action?
In this message we learn about the invisible dad, Joseph, and his role in Jesus’ story.
- Pastor Chris
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