One of my favorite Christmas songs is “What Child Is This?” While we celebrate Jesus’ birth and the gift of salvation with joy and gladness, it’s important to acknowledge that our salvation has come at a great price. Set to the old English tune “Greensleeves,” the first stanza tells the story of Christ the King’s humble birth.

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!

The second stanza points directly to the reason why Jesus came. It sings of the salvation this baby would provide, and it describes in detail the suffering he would endure to bring us salvation.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass 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!

The song begins with a simple question, to which it gives a simple, but deeply moving answer. “What child is this?” He is Jesus, born to save us.

From our home to your home, Marlene and I wish you a very Merry and Christ-filled Christmas!