Advent Carol for December 16

Advent Carol for December 16

Written by Lise Caldwell

 

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.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, 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.

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 a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

“The silent Word.” Hmm. Well, as a newborn infant, I’m sure he wasn’t silent. I’m not fooled by the “no crying he makes” claim. But, for a time, the Word was indeed without speech. Like any child he had to develop, grow, learn language. When the Word was made flesh he experienced all that flesh is–limited, weak. Subject to sickness. Subject to pain. “Nails, spear” would pierce him through. At this time of year, when we celebrate his birth, we can raise our songs on high to praise and thank the one who, for a time, could only cry and coo. He chose a temporary state of vulnerability and helplessness so that we could be freed from our perpetual vulnerability and helplessness. The King of kings salvation brings–let loving hearts enthrone him.