What Child is This?

The Story Behind What Child is This?

“What Child Is This?” is a reflective Christmas hymn that invites listeners to pause and consider the identity of the newborn King. Though often associated with the haunting melody of “Greensleeves,” the hymn’s origins are tied to a deeply personal season in the life of its lyricist.

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Who Wrote "What Child Is This?"

At the time he wrote the lyrics, William Chatterton Dix was working as an insurance company manager and was recovering from a serious illness. During this period of recovery, Dix experienced a spiritual renewal that led him to write several hymns.

One of these was “The Manger Throne,” a poem that would later become the lyrics for “What Child Is This?” The words were eventually set to the traditional English folk tune “Greensleeves.”

Although the popular hymn originated in Great Britain, it has become more popular in the United States than in its country of origin.

Biblical Inspiration for "What Child Is This?"

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

 Luke 2:7

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel"(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

Our Favorite Performance of "What Child Is This?"

Collection of Popular Christmas Hymns and Carols:

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
The First Noel
Joy To The World
O Holy Night
Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
O Come All Ye Faithful