Day 18: "What Child Is This"

    This is my husband's favorite carol, I think in a large part because he likes the tune. I however, like it because it falls into that melancholy, low, slow category. I'm not really sure why I lean towards those, but clearly they are my favorite. Also, I love the words. It seems that this carol would be one of those written in the 13th-14th centuries, but in actuality, it is much more recent. It is from 1865, and the author was suffering from a near fatal illness that resulted in a renewed interest in Christ. A spiritual awakening that came during a really dark time? Sounds a lot like Christmas to me!

Lyrics: "What Child Is This"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #118

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. We really tend to take for granted that we know who Christ is, and surely that was easily recognized by His contemporaries. However, that was probably not the case-most did not likely realize who He was. Which leads me to think if we are mistaken about that assumption, do *we* really know who He is? Who do you say He is? Why?

2. The verse from Luke is short but poignant. Mary was pondering all these things...she was probably trying to figure out exactly "what Child is this" herself! What do you think she thought in those first few hours? Days? Do you think she had the same thoughts most mothers do?

3. Why do you think "Jerusalem was [disturbed]" with Herod? Was it unnatural for them to side with their known, earthly leader? Do you think we ever do that type of thing today?

Looking for the printable? Find it here.