What Child Is This?

Song Meaning

Faith Hill's rendition of "What Child Is This?" doesn't merely retell a familiar nativity scene; it's an emotionally direct invitation to internalize the awe and humility at the heart of the Christmas story. Stripped of excessive ornamentation, the song's power lies in its earnest simplicity. The lyrics, originally a poem set to the tune of "Greensleeves," ask us to consider the profound paradox of a divine being arriving in such vulnerable form: "What child is this, who, laid to rest/On Mary's lap, is sleeping?" Hill’s delivery underscores the quiet wonder inherent in these lines. The song meaning deepens as it progresses. The repeated chorus, "This, this is Christ the king," isn't a boastful declaration but a gentle reminder of the babe's ultimate destiny. The juxtaposition of shepherds and angels highlights the universality of Christ's message, accessible to both the humble and the heavenly. This accessibility is reinforced in the second verse, which calls on "peasant, king" alike to offer tribute, not necessarily of material wealth ("incense, gold, and myrrh") but of devotion. Ultimately, "What Child Is This?" is a call to active participation in the spiritual narrative. It urges listeners to not just observe, but to "haste, haste to bring him praise." The song's enduring appeal resides in its ability to tap into the core emotions of faith – wonder, humility, and an active desire to connect with something larger than oneself. Faith Hill's rendition, with its understated grace, serves as a potent reminder of these fundamental values.