Advent Day 14 - What Child is This?

Luke 2:15–20 (NKJV) — 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

What Child is this? That is a rhetorical question that implies awe, amazement, and wonder. What Child is this whose birth is announced by angels? Surely the shepherds marvelled as they ran to find Mary, Joseph, and the Babe in the manger. And everyone the shepherds told also marveled at the wonderful news. What Child is this?

Following an evening star, wise men journeyed from the East to come and worship the Newborn King. What Child is this whose birth is marked by signs in the heavens?

When the Babe grew into a boy, those in temple were amazed by His understanding and answers.

Luke 2:46–48a (NKJV) — 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed...

When the boy grew into a man, the crowds were astonished by His teaching and authority.

Matthew 7:28–29 (NKJV) — 28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

John 7:14–15 (NKJV) — 14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”

The disciples marveled at His courage and power.

Luke 8:24–25 (NKJV) — 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

And His enemies, confounded by His wisdom and integrity, feared Him.

Mark 11:18 (NKJV) — 18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.

Now, what about you and what about me? As we learn about Christ from Scripture, are we moved to holy awe? Are we still amazed that God was born in a manger? As we read the words of Christ, are we moved by His wisdom, courage, and compassion. Are our hearts stirred by the person and work of Christ? Do we understand that He is Wonderful in all His ways? This Christmas season, may God enlarge our hearts to truly see the wonder of it all; and may we be moved to worship the Living God for Who He is, and all that He has done.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (NKJV) — 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. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

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[VERSE 1]
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

[VERSE 2]
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and lamb are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through
The cross be borne for me, for you
Hail, hail the Word made flesh
The Babe, the Son of Mary

[VERSE 3]
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