“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”                                                                      - John 1:14

The beautiful carol, What Child is This? is actually a remake of the song, Greensleeves, an old English folk song attributed to Henry VIII.  The lyrics were written by William Dix in 1865 and later three verses of his poem were merged and put to the tune of Greensleeves.  The carol asks a polarizing question!

What Child Is This? The angel answers the question this way in the presence of the shepherds: “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) The hymn writer answers it this way: “This, this is Christ the King.” (LSB 370:1) They both want to leave us with no doubt regarding the identity of this Child.

The Word, who according to verse one is God, became flesh on that first Christmas morning.  This little baby came from the Father and as part of the Trinity, is God Himself dwelling among us.  What an incredible truth!  As the carol recounts, “Hail, Hail the Word made flesh,” and “This, this is Christ the King.”

If we really believe that this little baby Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, than there is only one response; “let loving hearts enthrone Him.”  We want Him to be on the throne of our heart and rule our life.  Rather than following my own will, I surrender my will to His.  He has redeemed my life and He has every right in the world to be on my throne.  What Child Is This?  He is my Savior and my King and it is my joy and a daily choice to allow Him to reign in me.