What Child is This?

 "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel." Luke 2:25-32

One of my favorite Christmas carols is "What Child is This," written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, and, to me, the question, "What Child is This?" is most eloquently answered in Simeon's words. Mom absolutely loved the story of Simeon, and she passed that love down to me. No matter how many times I read it, the impact never lessens. To think that God, in His infinite mercy, revealed such a thing to a just and devout man in Jerusalem and confirmed its fulfillment to him when he took Jesus up in his arms thrills my inmost soul!

When I read this passage and ponder it, my eyes fill with tears. I feel a burning inside that confirms the truth of Simeon's words once again, as the same Holy Ghost who revealed such a deep truth to Simeon witnesses to my spirit that Jesus is indeed our salvation, a light to we Gentiles "who sometimes were far off" but are now "made nigh by the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:13 What a blessed revelation to know that the "consolation of Israel" that Simeon waited for has come, and the same Holy Ghost that was upon him now dwells within us. Praise His holy name forever!

I recently got out my guitar and recorded my own version of "What Child is This," and I hope you enjoy listening!

I hope all of you are enjoying this blessed Christmas season!

For those who are hurting, grieving the loss of dear loved ones, facing financial hardships, suffering physical pain, regretting past mistakes, recovering from addiction or still in the throes of it, my heart goes out to you. I am praying for every single person who ever reads this. May you feel the comfort of the precious Holy Spirit in every overwhelming moment. May God send gentle, frequent reminders that you are so dearly loved and that you will never walk alone. May the tender joys of Christmas pierce through whatever darkness you are walking through and fill your heart with the hope Jesus came to give. 

He loves you so deeply and so unconditionally. May you truly believe that and embrace the reality that the tiny baby boy born in Bethlehem grew up to become your personal Savior. He invites you to come and lay your burdens at His feet. I pray you do that now.

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30