What Child Is This?

Song Meaning

Kristin Chenoweth's rendition of "What Child Is This?" isn't just a Christmas carol; it’s a profound meditation on humility and the unexpected nature of divinity. The lyrics, steeped in traditional Christian imagery, present a striking contrast: a newborn king, "laid to rest/On Mary's lap," juxtaposed with the celestial fanfare of angels and the watchful gaze of humble shepherds. This tension – the divine made vulnerable, the extraordinary cloaked in the ordinary – forms the emotional core of the song. It’s a reminder that profound significance can be found in the most unassuming of packages, a concept psychology recognizes as the power of the archetypal 'child' symbol, representing potential and new beginnings. The repeated refrain, "This, this is Christ the King," underscores the central paradox. The urgency in "Haste, haste to bring him Lord" speaks to an almost desperate need to acknowledge the sacred in this vulnerable form. The gifts of "incense, gold, and myrrh" aren't merely material offerings; they symbolize reverence, acknowledgment of worth, and perhaps even a recognition of the sacrifices to come. The song subtly challenges listeners to confront their own preconceptions of power and majesty, urging them to "own Him" – to personally accept the implications of this humble kingship. Ultimately, "What Child Is This?" transcends its immediate Christmas setting. It becomes a broader invitation to find the divine in unexpected places, to recognize the potential for greatness in the seemingly small and insignificant. Chenoweth's performance, with its inherent blend of reverence and soaring vocal delivery, amplifies this message, turning a familiar carol into a powerful statement about faith, humility, and the enduring human capacity for wonder.