Happy December! For many years I had no idea who Jesus Christ was, but I did know we celebrated his birth on Christmas Day. For those of you who don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, I wish to introduce him to you over the next twenty-four days. For those who know Jesus, join me in celebrating our Lord as we countdown to the day of his birth.

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 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!

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!  

William Chatterton Dix, published ca. 1865