Thursday, December 23, 2004
More Christmas Carol/Theological Thinking - What Child is This?
Now, of course, you all know what a nerd I am. :-) I am very much into classical music. One of the things that I like about classical music is the enduring melodies that you can find. There are several melodies that, when I hear them, will make me stop in my tracks and just listen, regardless of how they are being used. For example, I LOVE the melody commonly called "Greensleeves". It is usually credited to "Anonymous", but there are rumors that it was written by none other than King Henry VIII (of wife decapitation fame...)
Well, this melody has been used with Christmas lyrics and called "What Child is This?" I'll ask you to contemplate the lyrics to this Carol:
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?
Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
2. Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
(Refrain)
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.
(Refrain)
Now, I figure that this blog will, for awhile, be blocked by several filters (maybe even the one we use at work) ... but I'll risk it. I still ask you to comtemplate these words. The verse that I have found myself listening to over and over again this year is the third. What could it possibly mean, "... to own Him ... "? I'm still exploring that one. But the final two lines are amazing. The King, enthroned in the hearts of the men to whom He has brought salvation. This, THIS is this child of whom we sing!
Comments:
Post a Comment
