What Child is This?

About the Carol

William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898) wrote "What Child is This?" in 1865 while severely sick. It was during his recovering that Dix went under a spiritual renewal that lead him to write many hymns, including this one.

Lyrics ^{Back to Top ↑}

Analysis of Carol ^{Back to Top ↑}

Jesus lies in such a lowly estate because Bethlehem was overflowing with guests, there was not room for them all. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.^{Luke 2:7}

Jesus came not for the righteous, such as the Pharisees, but for the sinners. This is a message he said often. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.^{Matthew 9:13} And When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.^{Mark 2:17 cf. Luke 5:32}

A reference to the nailing of Jesus to the cross, which also follows a prophecy from David. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.^{Psalm 22:16}

A reference to the opening of the fourth gospel, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.^{John 1:14}

A reference to the three gifts the wise men brought. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.^{Matthew 2:11}