What Child Is This?

Song Meaning

The lyrics pose a central question: "What Child is this?" The opening verse paints a scene of profound peace and divine presence, with a baby resting on Mary's lap, surrounded by angelic hymns and watchful shepherds. This imagery immediately establishes a tone of awe and mystery, inviting the listener to ponder the identity of this extraordinary infant. The core tension arises from the contrast between the humble, earthly setting and the celestial significance attributed to the child. The question isn't just about identifying a baby; it's about recognizing the divine within the human. The lyrics build towards the revelation, moving from a state of questioning to one of declarative praise. The repetition of "this" in the second verse, "This, this is Christ the King," emphasizes the direct, undeniable identification. The subsequent lines, "Whom shepherds guard and angels sing," reinforce the celestial validation of the child's identity. The command to "Haste, haste to bring Him laud" underscores the urgency and importance of acknowledging this kingly Babe. The effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their simple yet powerful juxtaposition of the ordinary and the divine. The recurring phrase "The Babe, the Son of Mary" grounds the divine figure in a relatable maternal relationship, making the grand pronouncements of kingship and angelic praise feel both awe-inspiring and intimately personal. The final verse, with its "Joy, joy, for Christ is born," resolves the initial mystery with an exultant affirmation.