What Child Is This? (With Abandon Kansas)

Song Meaning

This rendition of "What Child Is This?" immediately sets a scene of quiet wonder. The lyrics paint a picture of a newborn baby, seemingly ordinary, yet surrounded by celestial and earthly adoration. The contrast between the humble "Mary's lap" and the "anthems sweet" sung by "angels" establishes a profound mystery from the outset. It's a moment suspended in time, observing a profound event with a sense of awe and gentle curiosity. The central tension lies in the unfolding revelation of the child's identity. The initial verses pose a question, "What Child is this?" inviting the listener to ponder the significance of this sleeping infant. This question is powerfully answered in the chorus, which repeatedly declares, "This, this is Christ the King." The repetition emphasizes the certainty and magnitude of this truth, transforming the observer's initial wonder into a confident proclamation of faith. The most striking craft element is the interplay between the questioning verses and the declarative chorus, especially with the added lines from Abandon Kansas. The original hymn's focus on the divine identity is amplified by the contemporary expressions of personal trust. Phrases like "How I trust Him" and "Oh, to trust him more" bridge the ancient narrative with a modern, relational faith, suggesting that knowing Christ the King is not just an intellectual assent but an active, evolving reliance. Ultimately, the lyrics are effective because they guide the listener through a journey of recognition and devotion. They begin with the simple, observable facts of a nativity scene and build towards a profound theological declaration. The fusion of the traditional hymn's solemnity with the contemporary expressions of personal faith creates a rich tapestry, making the grand truth of Christ's kingship feel both historically grounded and intimately relevant.