What Child Is This?

Nineteenth-century English hymn writer William Chatterton Dix is best known for his Christmas hymns. And none of those is better known than “What Child Is This?” Dix, who wrote many hymns, was neither a minister nor a scholar. But he had a finely honed gift for writing religious texts.

“What Child Is This?” invites us to imagine the Nativity as if for the first time, asking us to consider who the child sleeping on Mary’s lap really is. Then it joyfully affirms, “This, this is Christ, the King,” and invites all to bring Him laud, or praise. Verse 2 refers to “the Word,” a name for the premortal Savior (see John 1:1), who has just been born, or “made flesh.” This verse also foreshadows His future suffering on the cross “for me, for you.” Verse 3 entreats all humankind to accept and worship “the King of kings” and to rejoice in His birth.

Dix’s text was set to the tune of the 16th-century English melody “Greensleeves.” John Stainer, an accomplished composer, harmonized the tune for the hymn’s publication in 1867.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for What Child Is This?

Scriptures

Principles

Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to suffer and die as the Savior of the world.
Mary was chosen by Heavenly Father to be the earthly mother of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ was born into humble circumstances.
The birth of Jesus Christ was reason for praise and rejoicing.

Questions to Ponder

How were some people able to recognize that God’s Son had been born?
Why is it valuable to remember the suffering, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ at Christmastime?
What can you do to make Jesus Christ the center of your Christmas celebration?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Answer the question of the hymn. Help your children discover the message of this hymn by listening closely to the lyrics and figuring out who the hymn is about. Begin by playing the first half of the hymn, pausing after the words “shepherds watch are keeping?” Invite your children to share clues they heard, such as the baby on Mary’s lap, angels greeting Him, and shepherds nearby. Ask them who they think the child might be. Next, play the second half of the hymn, starting with “This, this.” Encourage your children to share the answers they hear, like “Christ, the King” and “Son of Mary.” Invite your children to imagine how they would feel if they were with the baby Jesus. What would they say or do? How can they show love for Him today?
Testify through repeated words. Help your children notice how repetition in a hymn can emphasize what’s most important. Invite your family to find words in this hymn that are repeated, and discuss what these repeated words help us understand. For example, the repetition “This, this” in the phrase “This, this is Christ, the King” draws attention to the powerful truth being shared. Explain that when we sing this part, we are testifying of Jesus Christ. Practice singing that line with feeling and confidence. Then invite family members to listen for other repeated words like “Raise, raise” and “Joy! Joy!” Discuss how each one emphasizes praise for the Savior. Learn and sing the hymn together, encouraging everyone to sing with conviction and joy.