What Child Is This: Reverent Christmas Carol, Reflective Wonder
Lyrics of What Child Is This?What child is this who, laid to rest, This, this is Christ the King, Why lies He in such mean estate, Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through, So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Raise, raise a song on high, |
Overview
The Christmas season brings joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. One of the most beloved Christmas carols, What Child Is This, has been sung for generations, filling churches, homes, and festive gatherings with its beautiful melody and deep spiritual meaning. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this Christmas hymn and the story behind its lyrics? In this article by Academic Block, we explore the history, meaning, and significance of What Child Is This, along with its impact on Christmas celebrations worldwide.
The Origins of What Child Is This
(i) Who Wrote the What Child is This lyrics?
The lyrics of What Child Is This were written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865. Dix was an English hymn writer and poet known for his deep religious devotion. While recovering from a serious illness, he had a profound spiritual experience that inspired him to write many Christian hymns, including What Child Is This.
(ii) The Tune Behind this Christmas Carol
The melody of What Child Is This comes from the traditional English folk song "Greensleeves". This tune, which dates back to the 16th century, was originally associated with love songs but was later adapted for religious use. The combination of sacred lyrics with a well-known melody helped the song gain popularity as a Christmas carol.
The Meaning of What Child Is This Lyrics
Verse 1: Recognizing the Child
The first verse of What Child Is This introduces the nativity scene, describing the newborn Jesus Christ lying in a manger while being watched over by Mary and angels. The lyrics highlight the divinity of Jesus and invite listeners to reflect on the miracle of His birth.
Key Lines:
"What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?"
This verse encourages believers to ponder the significance of Jesus' birth and the humble setting in which He entered the world.
Verse 2: The Role of the Shepherds and Angels
The second verse mentions the shepherds who visited baby Jesus after hearing the good news from angels. This reflects the biblical story in Luke 2:8-20, where the shepherds receive divine guidance to witness the Messiah's birth.
Key Lines:
"Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping."
The mention of angels and shepherds signifies the fulfillment of prophecies about the arrival of the Savior, making the carol a powerful reminder of the Christmas story.
Verse 3: The Invitation to Worship
The final verse calls people to bring their gifts and offerings to honor Jesus, much like the wise men did. The verse highlights gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the gifts presented to Jesus, symbolizing His kingship, divinity, and sacrifice.
Key Lines:
"So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, come peasant, king to own Him."
This verse emphasizes that Jesus is the King of all, regardless of social status, and that Christmas is a time to worship and rejoice in His presence.
Musical Alchemy of What Child Is This
The musical alchemy of What Child Is song This lies in the seamless fusion of Dix's poignant lyrics with the haunting melody of "Greensleeves", creating a timeless Christmas carol that resonates across cultures.
Its universal appeal and spiritual depth ensure that What Child Is This song continues to be a beloved part of Christmas celebrations, bringing joy and reflection to listeners around the world.
Religious and Cultural Significance of What Child Is This
(i) Why Is What Child Is This a Popular Christmas Carol?
The Christmas hymn has remained popular for over a century because of its profound message and hauntingly beautiful melody. Some of the reasons for its enduring popularity include:
(ii) Use of What Child Is This Carol in Modern Times
What Child Is This song has been performed by numerous artists across different music genres, including classical, gospel, pop, and country. Some famous renditions include:
These performances keep the carol relevant in contemporary music while preserving its traditional roots.
Biblical References in What Child Is This
(i) The Nativity Story
What Child Is This closely follows the biblical account of Jesus' birth, as described in the Gospel of Luke and Gospel of Matthew. The references to shepherds, angels, and the wise men align with the Christmas story, reinforcing its message.
(ii) The Significance of the Manger
The mention of Jesus lying in a manger emphasizes His humble beginnings and fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament. The carol reminds believers that the Son of God came into the world in the most modest way, showing His connection to all people.
Theological Reflections of What Child Is This
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Incarnation and Divine Mystery : The carol reflects on the Incarnation, the belief that God became flesh in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Christ's humility and vulnerability, born in a manger yet hailed as a King.
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Paradox of Christ’s Birth : The lyrics, "This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing," highlight the contrast between heavenly glory and earthly simplicity. Shepherds and angels symbolize both earthly humility and divine majesty.
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Theme of Redemption : The carol subtly alludes to Christ’s crucifixion and salvific mission. It connects the Nativity to the Cross, reinforcing the purpose of Christ’s birth.
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A Proclamation of Faith : More than a Christmas hymn, it serves as a declaration of faith in the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. The song invites reflection on the spiritual significance of Christmas, making it a timeless theological meditation.
Why Should You Sing What Child Is This at Christmas?
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Spiritual Reflection : Singing this Christmas hymn allows individuals and communities to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth and its impact on humanity. It serves as a reminder of the love, hope, and salvation that Christmas represents.
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Strengthening Christmas Traditions : Many families and churches include What Child Is This in their Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services, keeping the tradition alive and fostering a deeper connection with their faith.
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A Timeless Melody : Because it is set to the well-known Greensleeves tune, the carol remains one of the most recognizable and cherished Christmas songs worldwide.
Final Words
What Child Is This is more than just a Christmas carol—it is a hymn of faith, devotion, and reflection on the miracle of Jesus' birth. From its origins in the 19th century to its continued popularity today, the song holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world. As you celebrate Christmas this year, take a moment to listen to or sing this beautiful carol. Let its lyrics remind you of the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Hope you liked this article by Academic Block, please provide your views below in comment section which help us to improve this article. Thanks for Reading!
This Article will answer your questions like:
What Child Is This? originated from a poem written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, titled The Manger Throne. The lyrics were later set to the traditional English melody "Greensleeves", a folk tune dating back to the 16th century. The carol gained popularity during the Victorian era, blending Christian theology with classic English musical heritage, making it one of the most beloved Christmas hymns worldwide.
The first recorded performance of What Child Is This? is not well documented, but the hymn was first published in 1865 and became widely sung in Christian churches. It gained prominence through Victorian hymnals and was popularized by choirs and church congregations. Over time, it was performed by renowned classical singers and Christmas carolers, with modern renditions by artists like Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, and Carrie Underwood.
No, Henry VIII did not write What Child Is This?. However, the carol's melody, "Greensleeves", has often been mistakenly attributed to him. Historical evidence suggests that Greensleeves originated in the late 16th century, after Henry VIII’s reign. The lyrics of What Child Is This? were written much later, in 1865, by William Chatterton Dix, a Victorian-era hymn writer.
You can listen to What Child Is This? on music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Many well-known Christmas albums feature the carol, with renditions by Nat King Cole, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, and Carrie Underwood. It is also performed by church choirs and in Christmas concerts worldwide during the holiday season.
The basic chords for What Child Is This? in the key of C major are C, G, Am, Em, F, and Dm. In G major, the common chords are G, D, Em, Bm, C, and Am. This carol follows the traditional chord progression of the "Greensleeves" melody, making it ideal for guitar, piano, and orchestral arrangements.
The piano chords for What Child Is This? follow the traditional "Greensleeves" progression. In C major, the common chords are C, G, Am, Em, F, and Dm. In E minor, another popular key, the chords are Em, B, C, G, Am, and D. The carol’s melancholic yet uplifting tune makes it a favorite for piano soloists and accompanists.
What Child Is This? explores themes of the Incarnation, humility, and divine kingship. The carol reflects on Christ’s birth as a moment of divine intervention, highlighting His dual nature as both a vulnerable infant and the prophesied Messiah. It also touches on themes of redemption, alluding to Christ’s future sacrifice for humanity’s salvation.
The message of What Child Is This? revolves around the significance of Christ’s birth, inviting listeners to reflect on His role as the Savior. The lyrics emphasize His humble beginnings in a manger, yet proclaim His divine kingship. The carol encourages faith and reverence, reminding people of the true meaning of Christmas—the arrival of Christ as a gift of love, hope, and salvation.
Yes, "What Child Is This" is set to the melody of "Greensleeves," a traditional English folk tune from the 16th century. While "Greensleeves" is a secular song about lost love, William Chatterton Dix adapted its melody for his 1865 Christmas hymn, "What Child Is This," which reflects on the nativity of Jesus Christ. The connection between the two highlights how melodies can be repurposed for sacred themes while maintaining their musical heritage.
The lyrics of "What Child Is This" focus on the identity of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. The hymn portrays the nativity scene, emphasizing themes of divine revelation, humility, and salvation. It invites listeners to reflect on the importance of Christ's birth and its role in Christian theology. By using rhetorical questioning, the song engages the audience spiritually and emotionally, reinforcing the significance of Jesus as the Savior in Christian belief.
"What Child Is This" directly ties into the nativity story from the Gospel of Luke and Matthew. The hymn describes Jesus lying in a manger, adored by shepherds and angels, reinforcing biblical imagery associated with Christmas. The lyrics emphasize the purpose of Christ's birth—to bring salvation—making it a central piece of Christian Christmas traditions. Its solemn yet reverent tone enhances its spiritual connection, encouraging reflection on the meaning of Christmas.
"What Child Is This" is traditionally performed in churches, Christmas concerts, and caroling events during the Advent and Christmas seasons. It is commonly sung during Christmas Eve services, nativity plays, and choral performances. The hymn’s solemn yet melodic tone makes it suitable for both congregational singing and professional renditions. Due to its sacred nature, it remains a staple in Christian worship, especially in English-speaking countries celebrating Christmas through hymns and carols.
Unlike many traditional Christmas carols that focus on festive cheer, "What Child Is This" has a deeply reflective and reverent tone. It emphasizes the theological significance of Christ's birth rather than celebratory aspects. The use of the "Greensleeves" melody gives it a distinctive Renaissance-era sound, setting it apart from more modern, upbeat carols. Its rhetorical questioning also makes it unique, prompting listeners to contemplate the identity and purpose of Jesus Christ.
Though they share the same melody, "Greensleeves" and "What Child Is This" differ in purpose and lyrical content. "Greensleeves" is a secular ballad from the 16th century, often associated with themes of courtly love and longing. In contrast, "What Child Is This," written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, transforms the tune into a Christian hymn about Jesus Christ’s nativity. The adaptation reflects how music can evolve across different cultural and religious contexts.
"What Child Is This" is sung to the tune of "Greensleeves" because William Chatterton Dix, the hymn’s lyricist, chose the melody for its solemn, haunting quality, which complements the reverence of the nativity story. "Greensleeves" was already well known in England, making it a natural fit for a Christmas hymn. By repurposing a familiar melody, Dix ensured that his lyrics would resonate with audiences, helping to establish the carol as a Christmas classic.
Which Movie or Series Used this Carol?
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965): The beloved animated TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” features a scene where Linus recites the biblical account of the birth of Jesus, accompanied by the instrumental version of “What Child Is This?”
“The Office” (Season 2, Episode 10 – “Christmas Party”): In the American version of “The Office,” the carol is briefly sung by Angela during the office Christmas party.
“Elementary” (Season 2, Episode 12 – “The Diabolical Kind”): The carol is featured in an episode of the TV series “Elementary.”
“Criminal Minds” (Season 8, Episode 10 – “The Lesson”): “What Child Is This?” is used in a Christmas-themed episode of the popular crime drama series “Criminal Minds.”
“The West Wing” (Season 1, Episode 10 – “In Excelsis Deo”): The carol is part of the soundtrack of a Christmas episode of “The West Wing,” adding to the emotional resonance of the scenes.
Facts on the What Child Is This? Christmas carol
Authorship and Composition: “What Child Is This?” was written by English hymnwriter William Chatterton Dix in 1865. Dix penned the lyrics under the title “The Manger Throne.” The lyrics were later set to the traditional English folk tune “Greensleeves,” a melody that has its roots in the 16th century.
Background and Inspiration: William Chatterton Dix wrote the lyrics during a period of illness. The story goes that, during his convalescence, Dix underwent a spiritual renewal and wrote several hymns, including “What Child Is This?” The carol reflects on the Nativity story, contemplating the mystery of the Christ child’s birth, the shepherds’ adoration, and the eventual redemptive work of Jesus.
Musical Adaptation: The musical adaptation of “What Child Is This?” involves setting Dix’s lyrics to the tune of “Greensleeves,” a well-known English folk melody. The choice of “Greensleeves” adds a layer of historical and cultural richness to the carol, combining a traditional secular tune with sacred lyrics.
Liturgical Use: “What Child Is This?” is often associated with the Christmas season and is commonly sung in churches and religious gatherings during Advent and Christmas services. It has become a staple in Christmas carol collections and hymnals, used by various Christian denominations.
Theological Significance: The lyrics of the carol covers theological themes, including the mystery of the Incarnation (God becoming flesh) and the redemptive work of Christ. Lines such as “Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me, for you” emphasize the connection between the birth of Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Cultural Impact: “What Child Is This?” has had a lasting cultural impact, transcending its original context. It has been embraced by a wide range of musical genres and artists, attesting to its timeless appeal. Numerous recordings and renditions by artists from different backgrounds contribute to the carol’s continued popularity.
Adaptations in Popular Culture: The carol has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further embedding it in popular culture. Its adaptability has allowed for creative interpretations in different styles, from classical to contemporary, showcasing its versatility.
International Recognition: The carol’s universal themes and emotional resonance have contributed to its international recognition. It is sung and appreciated in various countries, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.
Continued Reverence: Over a century and a half since its composition, “What Child Is This?” continues to be a cherished part of Christmas celebrations, offering a blend of reflection, reverence, and joy during the holiday season.