Day 9 – What Child is This?

Busy? Hurried? Rushing around this season? What are we so busy doing? Are the things we fill our days with really important? Some things, yes. Probably many things, no.

As I listened to this gorgeous rendition of this carol, I kept hearing the words, “Haste, Haste to bring Him Laud.” What does that really mean? Hurry. Hurry. And for what? Laud means, “to praise (a person or their achievements) especially in a public context.” Hurry, hurry, to bring Jesus praise.

So often carols cause us to realize the importance of our actions and behavior. Are we hurrying today to spend our time in a way that brings Jesus Christ praise in a public context? I often ask myself that question. Did I greet the salesperson at the counter in a way that showed warmth and genuine kindness? Did I encourage my friend on the phone when she felt troubled? Did I take an action (such as writing a note, baking cookies to share, or collecting extra clothing to donate) when the Holy Spirit brought these ideas to mind? Did I obey God’s promptings or was I simply too busy?

Let’s live each day listening to God and responding in love to His voice as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given…His life for us. May we praise and enthrone Him within as we reach out today!

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?

Chorus:
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.

Chorus:
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.

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

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1)

“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (I John 2:6)

“And now dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.” (I John 2:28-29)