What a child is this?

The carol goes

“What child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping/Whom angels guard with anthems sweet, while shepherd’s watch are keeping?/This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

"What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol whose lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865. At the time of composing the carol, Dix worked as an insurance company manager and had been struck by a severe illness. While recovering, he underwent a spiritual renewal that led him to write several hymns, including lyrics to this carol.

Dix had a revelation of who Jesus is.

My prayer is that God will give you a fresh revelation, of His son Jesus Christ, tonight.

Let’s pray

Isa 9:6 For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isa 9:7 There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace, [He shall rule] on the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From that time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

Jesus is a wonderful counselor, a Mighty God an everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

The problem we have with Jesus, is the same the Jews had and the Romans, they refused to accept him as Lord and their King.

The Romans during the first century were occupying most of the world, the world was ruled by Rome. From England to Africa and from Syria to Spain, one in every four people on earth lived and died under Roman law.

The Romans were not preoccupied in changing cultures, as long, as they honored Caesar as Lord, and paid taxes.

When they recognized that Jesus was the King and He was the Lord, that was a problem, the reason for all the persecution and killing that went on.

This child Jesus, came to rule, with justice and righteousness. Understand that for us to have a relationship with Jesus we need to welcome him as our King and Lord.

He will not force himself on anyone, He will invite us, to come and sit-down with Him, if we welcome Him, He will fellowship with us. He wants to be our closer friend.

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Jesus will not reject us He loves us

Most of us have walk through many disappointments this year, 2020 has brought many challenges to us, we had our share as a congregation.

A few months ago a group of us went around town praying for all the businesses, at that time 90% of them were closed and about 70% not returning closing permanently, much disappointment, some lost everything, others had to move, the frustration was that after they complied with all the requirements and restrictions they still had to close. I understand and feel your frustration, but disappointments are God’s appointments. I remember a song by Phill Keaggy in the 80’s disappointment God’s appointment.

The world is experiencing a great storm, as Christians when we are

In the middle of a storm, we do not panic, we turn our eyes to Jesus our only Hope.

Mat 8:23 When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.

Mat 8:24 And suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping.

Mat 8:25 And the disciples went and woke Him, saying, "Lord, save us, we are going to die!"

Mat 8:26 He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was [at once] a great and wonderful calm [a perfect peacefulness].

Mat 8:27 The men wondered in amazement, saying, "What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"

They followed Jesus into the boat, we followed Jesus into this boat, Jesus was right there with them,

Jesus is right here with us, the corona virus will disappear, businesses will return, and life will be restored, but in the meantime we need keep our eyes on Jesus, and call upon His name.

What child is this? This child was given to us by God, with a very clear purpose, God’s only son, came into the world to save the world.

1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

1Jn 4:15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.

1Jn 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

Jesus is God’s gift to all of us.

For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Joh 3:16

How can we receive God’s gift?

To receive Jesus we need to accept Him as God’s son, repent from our sins and a life of selfishness, we need to ask Him to be our Lord and savior, not that we deserve it, but is a gift from God.

If this is your desire tonight, please repeat this prayer after me?

Heavenly Father I’m sinner,

I’m sorry for my sins,

I’m willing to turn away from my sins.

I receive Christ as my savior,

I confess him as Lord

from this moment on I want to follow and serve him,

in the fellowship of his church,

In Jesus name. Amen!