BeBe Winans - What Child Is This Lyrics

What Child Is This Video

What Child Is This Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

What Child Is This: A Soulful Rendition by BeBe Winans

Introduction:

In the world of Christmas carols, "What Child Is This" holds a special place. The song beautifully captures the essence of the nativity story, focusing on the newborn Jesus and the awe-inspired questions that arise from his birth. This blog post will delve into BeBe Winans' rendition of this timeless classic, exploring its main key messages, the inspiration behind it, and its biblical significance.

Verse 1: What Child Is This Who Laid to Rest

The opening lines of the song set the scene for the listeners. It presents the image of a child peacefully resting on Mary's lap, while shepherds keep watch over him. The lyrics evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, as the speaker contemplates the identity of this child. The use of the word "rest" suggests a calmness and tranquility surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the peaceful nature of his arrival.

Chorus: This, This Is Christ the King

The chorus boldly proclaims the identity of the child as Christ the King. It brings together the celestial beings, represented by the angels, who greet the child with sweet anthems, and the earthly shepherds who guard and protect him. The message conveyed here is that Jesus is not an ordinary child but a divine figure, deserving of adoration and praise. The urgency expressed in the phrase "Haste, haste to bring Him laud" encourages listeners to recognize and honor the significance of his birth.

Verse 2: So Bring Him Incense Gold and Myrrh

In this verse, the song references the gifts brought by the biblical Magi: incense, gold, and myrrh. These offerings symbolize the worship and reverence accorded to Jesus by the wise men. The mention of a "peasant King" highlights the irony of Jesus' humble birth and his subsequent role as the King of kings. The act of bringing gifts to the newborn Messiah signifies the acknowledgment of his sovereignty and the willingness to honor him.

Chorus: Raise, Raise a Song on High

The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the joyous proclamation of Christ's birth. The speaker encourages everyone to raise their voices and sing in celebration, reflecting the joy that is inherent in the Christmas season. The reference to Mary singing her lullaby further reinforces the message of rejoicing and praising God for the gift of Jesus.

Verse 3: Nails, Spears Shall Pierce Him Through

This verse takes a somber turn, alluding to the crucifixion of Jesus. The lyrics foreshadow the suffering that Jesus will endure, as represented by the piercing of nails and spears. This reference serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. It adds depth to the song, reminding us that the baby in the manger grew up to become the Savior who willingly laid down his life for our redemption.

Chorus: Hail, Hail the Word Made Flesh

The chorus is repeated once again, emphasizing the significance of Jesus as the Word made flesh. This phrase echoes the opening of the Gospel of John, which states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). By referring to Jesus as the Word made flesh, the song aligns with the biblical concept of Jesus being the embodiment of God's divine message and purpose.

Biblical Analysis:

"What Child Is This" beautifully captures the essence of the nativity story, drawing inspiration from various biblical accounts. The song highlights the divinity of Jesus as the Christ, the King of kings, and the Savior of humanity. It echoes the biblical narratives of the shepherds' visitation, the Magi's gifts, and the eventual crucifixion of Jesus.

The song's biblical accuracy is evident through its alignment with the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. The mention of the shepherds keeping watch over the newborn child reflects the Gospel of Luke, which states that angels appeared to shepherds in the fields, announcing the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8-14). The reference to the wise men bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh aligns with the Gospel of Matthew, which describes the visit of the Magi and their offerings (Matthew 2:1-12).

Furthermore, the song's acknowledgment of Jesus' future suffering and crucifixion is rooted in the Gospel narratives of his passion and death. The mention of nails and spears piercing him through alludes to the crucifixion scene, reflecting the biblical accounts of Jesus' crucifixion (John 19:16-18).

Conclusion:

"What Child Is This" is a powerful and evocative Christmas carol that beautifully encapsulates the nativity story. BeBe Winans' rendition of the song adds a soulful touch, infusing it with emotion and reverence. The main key messages of the song chronologically trace the birth, identity, worship, suffering, and divinity of Jesus. Its biblical accuracy is evident through its alignment with the Gospel accounts of the nativity and the eventual crucifixion of Jesus.

As we listen to this timeless carol, let us remember the significance of Jesus' birth and the profound impact it has had on humanity. May the lyrics of "What Child Is This" inspire us to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas and rejoice in the gift of God's love, embodied in the person of Jesus Christ.