What Child is This? by Susan Barclay

There are a lot of songs I love at Christmas, but What Child is This? is one that I've always loved. Written in 1865 by William Chatterson Dix, its haunting melody, pacing, and lyrics draw me in every time.

"What child is this?" the writer asks. He then goes on to answer that this babe is the "King of kings," "Christ the King," and the "son of Mary."

Much has been made of this child from the time of His birth. Joseph, his earthly father, considered breaking his betrothal to Mary, thinking she'd been unfaithful. Angels spurred shepherds to visit Him at the manger site. The magi were inspired to follow a star and seek Him out. Herod ordered the execution of all the boys two years old and younger in vicinity of Bethlehem because he feared who He would become. Jesus astounded the teachers in the synagogue with His wisdom when He was only twelve, then there were the years of His ministry after His baptism around the age of thirty. And what discussion of Christ can avoid mentioning his trial, crucifixion and resurrection?

In the centuries since the New Testament account of His life, Jesus has been loved, hated, revered, feared, misunderstood. His name has been misused and applied to ungodly causes as well as been the reason for many good ones. But the most important question of all is this: Who is Jesus to you?

You see, the answer to this question has eternal consequences. Jesus said, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me (John 14: 6), and

Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me (Matthew 12:30)

These are bold words. Jesus doesn't allow for any wriggle room. What you decide about Him matters. Oh, I know there are those who say that Jesus was just a man who has gone the way of all men, or He was a good teacher, nothing more; I have prodigals of my own and my heart cries out for them (and for you). We have a fierce enemy who knows how to mislead and deceive and to blind eyes to the Truth. If you are reading this as a doubter, I encourage you to investigate the claims of the Bible wholeheartedly and without prejudgment. Don't just seek out sources that confirm the belief you already hold; really do your homework. Jesus can stand the scrutiny. Follow the examples of Lee Strobel, journalist and former atheist, the late Nabeel Quereshi, a former devout Muslim, and others like them, and commit to the research. God knows if you really want to know and follow Truth and He is faithful to do His part if you will do yours.

The book of Isaiah and the New Testament identify at least 31 reasons why Jesus left His throne in glory and came to earth to dwell among men. He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace. Know Him and live.

Who is Jesus to you? What child is this? These questions are too important to go unanswered. No answer is an answer, after all. God is reaching out. If you are stirred, I plead with you not to harden your heart. Every single one of us is going to die; no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Do not wait. God is the initiator and perfecter of faith. Seek Him and follow His life-giving ways. Those who are wise still search for Him. Today is the day of salvation. 

 

Instrumental version

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You can find out more about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com