December 20, 2024 - Good Morning! It’s Friday, December 20.
Welcome to Day Ten of our series “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, a journey that will conclude on Christmas Eve. Holiday songs are near and dear to the heart of most folks, especially the songs that remind us of the reason for the season. Here’s the story behind a unique and beloved Christmas carol.
There are many gospel songs that ask a question - “What can wash away my sin?”, “What Wondrous Love is This?”, “Were You There?”. A number of carols do this as well - “Mary Did You Know?”, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, and our focus for this morning, “What Child is This?”.
The tune for this famous carol is as celebrated as its lyrics. Historians believe that “Greensleeves” could be over a thousand years old. Some believe it was composed by England’s King Henry VIII. It’s featured in one of Shakespeare’s plays. But throughout its history, this tune was never associated with the church. Its jaunty rhythm would have made it totally inappropriate for religious music of the time. It was heard, rather, in the pubs and taverns - a popular song.
Then, in 1865, William Dix decided to write lyrics worthy of this lovely melody. Dix, just 28 years old, wasn’t a minister, as were most of the writers of our hymns and carols, but an insurance man, who wrote poetry as a hobby. After a near fatal illness, during his recovery, he penned a poem that he titled “The Manger Throne”. I love that title! I love these words.
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
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary
For its time, these lyrics were extraordinarily personal. The singer isn’t on the outside of the manger looking in, but is placed inside it. As we sing this carol, we are there - in that stable, in that moment, over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. And over 150 years after their creation, these words continue to touch our hearts . . . as we gather around the manger throne.
Meet you back here on Monday,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
