What Child Is This

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a profound theological question, directly asking about the identity of the child. This sets up an immediate sense of wonder and mystery, inviting the listener to contemplate the significance of this infant. The tone is one of awe, tinged with a gentle, almost hesitant curiosity about who this special child might be. The central tension arises from the contrast between the child's humble appearance and the immense destiny implied by the questions. The lyrics hint at a divine purpose, juxtaposing the simple scene of a baby with the grand, perhaps even world-altering, implications of his existence. It's a contemplation of the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary. The most striking craft element is the direct, almost conversational address to the child, "What child is this?" This repeated question acts as an anchor, drawing the listener into the narrator's contemplation. The phrasing "laid to rest" and "whom angels greet with an anthem" creates a powerful juxtaposition between vulnerability and divine glory, suggesting a destiny far beyond mortal understanding. These lyrics resonate because they tap into a universal human experience: the wonder of new life combined with the mystery of the unknown future. By focusing on the simple act of observation and questioning, the writing allows for personal reflection on hope, destiny, and the profound nature of existence, all centered on the image of a single child.