Pondering in My Heart - What Child is this

Today I had the opportunity to go to Shepherd's Field.  It's right on the edge of Kidron Valley, about a mile and a half out of Bethlehem.  It was there that the shepherds were greeted by angels, "Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David (Bethlehem) a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:10-12).  The shepherds went in haste and found the Holy Family in Bethlehem.

     

     After they told Mary what they had been told concerning the child from the angels, "Mary kept all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:19).  These words continue to reside in my own mind and heart as I try to comprehend the very foundation of the Incarnation, God becoming man.  We went to Shepherd's field and celebrated Mass.  Afterwards we had the opportunity to move along the fields including the ruins of a 4th century Byzantine Church. It was here (or at least in the proximity of this site) that the great news was proclaimed by the angels.  

(One of the many alters found on Shepherds field)

      Though it wasn't part of the program, I couldn't help, but like the shepherds, run in haste to find the birth place of my Lord.  I returned to the Church of the Nativity to once again gaze at the manger where Christ, God laid.  Once again, following the foot steps of Mary, I could only leave the experience pondering in my heart: What Child is this!

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 Manger where Christ laid!