Advent Meditation - Day 13

What Child is This?
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

This hauntingly beautiful melody, also known as Greensleeves, is a 16th century English ballad. The words suggest the manger scene, but it could have been based on the visit of the Magi some time after Jesus’ birth. Certainly verse three tells of the gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh and of the praises brought by the earthly kings. What a sight that must have been! There was the simple, unassuming young family sought out by wise men wearing fine clothing and bearing precious gifts. No wonder Herod was suspicious!

Words to ponder: Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. Music, pageants, the use of crèches all focus on Christ as a baby, often to the exclusion of realizing and acknowledging the reason for His birth. Think past the manger and the humble beginnings to the time when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Take those thoughts with you when you look into the manger and ask: What Child is This?