WHAT CHILD IS THIS! (POPULAR CHRISTMAS HYMN)

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?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
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Historical Background:
"What Child is This" was written by William Chatterton Dix, an English hymn writer, in 1865. The melody is believed to be a traditional English folk tune, "Greensleeves", dating back to the 16th century.

Story Behind the Song:
Dix wrote the lyrics as a poem, titled "The Manger Throne", to accompany a melody from a traditional English folk song. The poem was later set to the familiar "Greensleeves" melody, creating the beloved hymn we know today.

Title: What Child Is This?
William C. Dix, pub.1865

copyright status is Public Domain

Subject: Christmas

Scripture: Luke 2:7

Greensleeves [.xml]

English melody

copyright status is Public Domain

Key: Em

Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.8.6.7
Musical Features:
1. Hauntingly beautiful melody
2. Simple, yet effective harmonies
3. Builds to a joyful climax
4. Iconic guitar introduction (in some arrangements)

Cultural Significance:
1. Recorded by numerous artists
2. Featured in films, TV shows, and commercials
3. Popular Christmas carol worldwide
4. Translated into multiple languages

Notable Recordings:
1. Joan Baez (1966)
2. Johnny Cash (1963)
3. Josh Groban (2007)
4. Pentatonix (2014)

Interesting Facts:
1. Originally titled "The Manger Throne"
2. Melody dates back to 16th century
3. One of the most recorded Christmas carols
4. Featured in various films, including "Love Actually" and "Elf"

Vocal Style: Congregational, Choral, Classical

Harmony: Traditional hymn harmony
Four-part harmony (SATB)

Structure:Verse-Chorus
Three verses, with a repeating chorus

Lyrics: Written by William Chatterton Dix (1865)

Theological Themes:
1. Incarnation
2. Nativity
3. Redemption
4. Worship
5. Wonder

Liturgical Use:
1. Christmas Eve services
2. Advent ceremonies
3. Special events (e.g., concerts, cantatas)
4. Personal devotion and meditation