Choosing Joy Now

living above the fray

Jesus asked his disciples a question. “Who do people say that I am?” They answered with various names and titles they had heard. A prophet, John the Baptist, Elijah. Then Jesus asked tougher question. “Who do you say that I am?” This question is one that eventually must be answered by all who claim to be followers of Jesus.

In the late 19th century, a man lay bedridden. He began to question his faith. He asked himself, “Who is this Jesus? What child is this?” The answer wasn’t easy. He searched, he pleaded, he questioned. At the end of this struggle, he expressed his response, his belief in a poem. Part of that poem was put to music.

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 donkeys 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.

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

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One day, you will find yourself questioning, wondering who this Jesus really is. As you work out that question, with fear and trembling, I pray you gain greater understanding of who He is and you can join the author in saying, “This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing.”

~ Regina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv05tDlWIgU

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