About the Hymns

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

• Luke 2:7–16

• Matthew 2:9–11

• John 1:14

• Hebrews 12:2

• John 19:31–37

• 1 Nephi 11:32–33

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:

• Birth of Jesus Christ

• Jesus Christ