Sandra McCracken - This Is The Christ Lyrics
Lyrics
good news from heaven the angels bring,
glad tidings to the earth they sing
to us this day a child is given
to crown us with the joy of heaven
this is the Christ, our God and Lord
who in all need shall aid afford
he will himself our savior be
and from our sins will set us free
all hail, thou noble guest this morn
whose love did not the sinner scorn
in my distress thou come'st to me
what thanks shall i return to thee?
this is the Christ, our God and Lord
who in all need shall aid afford
he will himself our savior be
and from our sins will set us free
were earth a thousand times as fair
beset with gold and jewels rare
she yet were far too poor to be
a narrow cradle, Lord, for thee...
praise God upon his heavenly throne
who gave to us his only son
for this his hosts on joyful wing
a blest New Year of mercy sing.
this is the Christ, our God and Lord
who in all need shall aid afford
he will himself our savior be
and from our sins will set us free.
Video
This Is the Christ
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on April 13, 2016, Sandra McCracken’s "This Is The Christ" stands as a profound theological meditation, capturing the essence of the Christmas narrative and its enduring significance beyond a single season. The song immediately establishes itself as a modern hymn, drawing on timeless truths with a clarity and warmth that invite deep reflection. It is not merely a carol, but a declaration, a comprehensive statement of faith centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ, designed to echo in the spirit long after the final note fades.
The song’s core meaning unfolds as a rich tapestry woven from biblical truths, presenting Christ as both the promised Savior and the indwelling Lord. It begins with the celestial announcement, recalling the joyous proclamation of the angels to the shepherds, bringing "good news from heaven" and "glad tidings to the earth." This echoes the angelic message in Luke 2:10-11, where the birth of a Savior, Christ the Lord, is revealed as the source of "great joy for all people." McCracken then moves to the profound implication of this birth: a child "given to crown us with the joy of heaven," suggesting a divine endowment of ultimate spiritual blessing and peace that transcends earthly circumstances, a foretaste of the eternal life offered through Him.
The recurring declaration, "this is the Christ, our God and Lord who in all need shall aid afford he will himself our savior be and from our sins will set us free," serves as the song's anchors, unequivocally affirming Jesus' divine identity and His salvific mission. Calling Him "our God and Lord" directly aligns with scriptural affirmations of His deity, as seen in John 1:1, where Jesus is identified as the Word who "was God," and in Isaiah 9:6, prophesying a child whose name would be "Mighty God." The assurance that He "in all need shall aid afford" speaks to His omnipotence and compassion, reflecting Hebrews 4:15-16, which encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence for help in times of need, knowing our High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses. Most centrally, the promise that He "will himself our savior be and from our sins will set us free" encapsulates the very heart of the Gospel. Matthew 1:21 declares that Jesus "will save His people from their sins," and John 8:36 asserts the ultimate freedom found in Him: "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This is not an abstract concept but a deeply personal and liberating reality offered to all.
A deeply moving aspect of the song is its shift to a personal response of gratitude and wonder. The lines "all hail, thou noble guest this morn whose love did not the sinner scorn in my distress thou come'st to me what thanks shall i return to thee?" beautifully articulate the worshiper's awe at Christ's humility and boundless love. Jesus, the "noble guest," entered human distress, fulfilling His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). His love, which "did not the sinner scorn," stands in stark contrast to human judgment, reflecting God's profound love for us "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8). The question, "what thanks shall I return to thee?" is not rhetorical but an invitation to a life of worship and dedication, echoing the psalmist's meditation in Psalm 116:12: "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?" It underscores the magnitude of the gift and the humble, willing response it elicits from a grateful heart.
The song culminates in a powerful expression of God’s unmatched majesty and sacrificial love. The imagery "were earth a thousand times as fair beset with gold and jewels rare she yet were far too poor to be a narrow cradle, Lord, for thee" eloquently portrays the transcendent nature of Christ. No earthly splendor, no matter how magnificent, could adequately contain or reflect the glory of the Creator who chose a humble birth, a truth emphasized in Isaiah 66:1, where God declares heaven is His throne and earth His footstool. This contrast amplifies the astounding humility of the incarnation, where the infinite God confined Himself to a "narrow cradle." The concluding call to "praise God upon his heavenly throne who gave to us his only son" resonates with John 3:16, the cornerstone verse affirming God's unfathomable love for humanity. The final image of "his hosts on joyful wing a blest New Year of mercy sing" extends the significance of Christ's birth beyond a singular event, portraying it as a continuous source of God's enduring mercy and grace, a spiritual "New Year" constantly unfolding for believers. "This Is The Christ" thus becomes more than a song; it is an enduring affirmation of faith, drawing believers into a deeper relationship with the Savior whose love and redemptive power remain ever-present and ever-sufficient.