I have been reviewing some modern worship songs, but I’ve taken a break to explore some Advent and Christmas hymns. 😀. Just when you think Christmas is over, you remind yourself that December 25th is the first of the 12 days of Christmas. So, I’ll wait until January 7th to go back to normal hymns.
Today, I’ve chosen What Child Is This.
I knew the tune, Greensleeves, from childhood. I only first head the hymn when we were learning Christmas carols to sing around Covent Garden, London, back in Christmas 1982.
The tune is old but the hymn is 19th Century. It was written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix — an English insurance manager who wrote hymns during a period of illness and spiritual renewal.
It’s said to be based on the following Old Testament passage from Isaiah:
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Many songs are based on this passage. Here are some examples:
So let’s examine the lyrics of “What Child is this”. I don’t see much direct reference to the Isaiah passage here. Perhaps it’s about observing this poor family in a simple setting and coming to realize who it really is that we are looking at. The Isaiah passage begins with a baby and then explores what that child will become. In Old Testament times, some must have read it and been astonished that such a baby would be born and be called “The Mighty God”. It wasn’t unusual for kings and emperors to see themselves as gods. But for Jewish people there was only one God. So this could only mean the incarnation, God becoming man.
1 What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus:
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
2 Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.[Chorus]
3 So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.[Chorus]
Here are some interesting versions of the hymn:
Hibernia Gospel 