12-24-16 What Child is This?

Scripture     Luke 2:1-20

What Child is this?

Luke 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

          Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

What Child is this?

John 10:30-33 - Jesus said, “I and My Father are one.”

John 8:58 - Then Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

John 14:6-7 - Jesus said, “I AM the way, the truth, and the Life…”

John 20:28 - And Thomas answered and said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

Acts 4:12 - “Nor is there salvation in any other than Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Philippians 2:5-7 - Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Colossians 2:9 - For in Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

1 Timothy 3:16 - And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Revelation 22:13 - “I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”... 22:16 - “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.”

Luke 2:9-11 - An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and said, "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 1:1-3 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made... 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,

Matthew 1:23 - “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

What Child is this?

          William Chatterton Dix (150 years ago) England.  He managed a marine insurance company (selling insurance for ships).  His true passion was poetry.

Dix became seriously ill, and was confined to his bed for an extended period of time.  He underwent a true spiritual crisis during this illness, and spent much time in prayer and the reading of Christian literature.  During this time he wrote several hymns, one of which is “What Child is This?”

It was first published in 1865 in Britain. The song begins in the manger with the child sleeping on Mary’s lap, accompanied by angels and shepherds.  But the second verse asks why he would be lying “in such mean estate.” or humble place? It goes on to speak of Jesus’ purpose— to plead for the salvation of sinners—and alludes to the nails and the cross that he will face as a man.

The third verse moves to a joyful tone, asking us to bring Jesus incense, gold and myrrh.  The reason is simple.  The King of kings has come to bring us salvation, so we should respond joyfully in his honor.

The tune “Greensleeves,” had been around for 100 years and applied to the poem to create the hymn as we know it. “Greensleeves” was written in a minor key, which gives it a sad feel in the first two lines.  However, while the key remains minor, the last two lines take on an enthusiastic, joyful character that contrasts nicely with the earlier lines.

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.

This, this is Christ, the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, 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.

This, this is Christ, the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

What Child is this?

DRAMA:

Luke 2:1-20

(Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus enter up C isle from back)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

          And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; (Mary is seated holding baby Jesus, Joseph stands behind/side them) because there was no room for them in the inn.

          And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (looking up at angels) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

          And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. (Joseph sit beside Mary) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

          And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary (Mary snuggle Jesus close to her) kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

SING: 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.

This, this is Christ, the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

(Joseph rises and lights a candle form the Christ candle and returns to standing behind Mary / unless baby Jesus is too fussy, then Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus can exit up C isle at this point. Otherwise, the pastor will light his candle form Joseph’s at the end of the song)

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!

Candle lighting and singing Silent Night!