December 2016 - Pastor Dan
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!
(From "What Child Is This? " verse 2 )
William Dix is the author of this incredible and inspiring Christmas hymn. I personally find it incredible that William Dix was not a priest, or pastor, or church musician. He was a manager of an insurance company. He was an ordinary, everyday person who worked for an insurance company! This particular hymn consists of three stanzas which come from a larger poem entitled, "The Manger Throne". William took very ill and as he lay on his death bed, he read the Bible and spent time reflecting upon what he was reading. But then, he began to recover, and as he did, he began to pen several poems and hymns as the Spirit led him. Through these penned words that follow Mr. Dix's circumstance, we hear the actual and real power of the Light of Christ to enter in and overcome any darkness that may befall us.
The season of Advent is upon us and for me personally, I tend to reflect upon what God is doing in the Christ child and the celebration of His arrival we enjoy as Christmas. I tend to reflect upon the fact that this innocent child has been given to us so that he may be an atoning sacrifice for my sin. I think about the fact that this innocent King, born in mean estate, laying in straw, is my Savior. I reflect upon the heart of Mary, knowing this child she has given birth to is Gods son and is to die that all may live. I tend to reflect upon such things during the season of Advent because I don't want such ominous truths to cloud the joy of the Christ arrival.
This second verse of "What Child Is This?", is a reminder of why this child is born in the first place. He is born for me, for you. This is Gods eternal gift to all of life and it comes at great cost. It's a good thing that the song has a third verse.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!
May our loving hearts enthrone him and may we experience the joy that is ours as indeed, the Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!
May you and yours have a blessed and Merry Christmas.
In Christs love and service,
Pastor Dan
Contact Pastor Dan at: psyeyeon@aol.com