Michael W. Smith - What Child Is This Lyrics
Lyrics
Son of God
Purest light
Lord on high
Is here tonight
Stamping through
This sacred sky
Suddenly
Our eyes behold
Heaven's perfect
Plan unfold
Son of God
Son of God
Love divine
Timeless one
Steps in to die
Who could dream
Of such a thing
With us now
The King of Kings
Man and angels
Bow and sing
Singing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
We're singing Gloria
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
(We're singing Gloria)
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
(Emmanuel)
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
(Emmanuel)
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
Our God is with us
Emmanuel
Our God is with us
(We're
Singing Hallelujah)
Singing Gloria
Video
Michael W. Smith - What Child Is This (Lyric Video) ft. Martina McBride
Meaning & Inspiration
Michael W. Smith's rendition of "What Child Is This," released on September 28, 2004, as part of his album "It's A Wonderful Christmas," transcends a mere musical piece to become a profound theological declaration. While sharing a title with the beloved traditional carol, Smith's lyrical composition offers a distinct and direct affirmation of Christ's identity, moving beyond the carol's questioning wonder to an assertive proclamation of divine truth. This song doesn't ask *who* the child is; it declares with unwavering conviction the glorious nature of the Incarnation, inviting us into a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan.
The song immediately establishes its core message by identifying the newborn as the "Son of God" and "Purest light," resonating deeply with Scriptural truths. The "Son of God" echoes declarations found throughout the New Testament, such as in John 3:16, emphasizing His divine origin. He is the "Purest light," a concept profoundly articulated in John 1:4-9, where Christ is described as the true light that gives light to everyone. The phrase "Lord on high, Is here tonight" encapsulates the astonishing reality of the Almighty God stepping into human history, descending from His exalted throne to dwell among us. This divine arrival is portrayed as a majestic unfolding, with "Heaven's perfect Plan unfold," reminding us of God's eternal purpose for salvation, meticulously detailed in passages like Ephesians 1:9-10, where all things are brought together in Christ. The imagery of something "Stamping through This sacred sky" evokes a powerful, undeniable entry of the divine into the earthly realm, a momentous event that causes all eyes to "behold."
The second verse delves further into the unfathomable depth of this divine visitation, reiterating "Son of God" and introducing "Love divine." This points to the very essence of God's character, as declared in 1 John 4:8, that "God is love." Crucially, the song then reveals the ultimate purpose of this birth: "Timeless one Steps in to die." This profound statement immediately bridges the manger to the cross, connecting the beginning of Christ's earthly journey to its sacrificial culmination. The "Timeless one," the eternal Word of God, willingly entered time and mortality to offer His life, an unparalleled act of love detailed in Philippians 2:6-8. The rhetorical question, "Who could dream Of such a thing," underscores the incredible, unexpected nature of God's grace – that the Creator would become a servant and die for His creation, as foretold in Isaiah 53. The presence of "The King of Kings" among us, as referenced in Revelation 19:16 and 1 Timothy 6:15, evokes a powerful scene of universal worship, where "Man and angels Bow and sing," mirroring the celestial praises at Christ's birth in Luke 2:13-14 and the future bowing of every knee in Philippians 2:10-11. The simple yet potent declaration, "Singing Hallelujah," becomes a natural, immediate response to such overwhelming truth.
The song culminates in an expansive anthem of praise with the repeated "Gloria, Hallelujah" and the powerful inclusion of "Emmanuel." "Gloria" signifies glory to God in the highest, a direct echo of the angels' song in Luke 2:14. The constant repetition builds a vibrant atmosphere of jubilant worship, cementing the song's identity as a declarative hymn. The integration of "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us," is central to the Christmas narrative and foundational to Christian faith. This pivotal name, prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:23, is not merely stated but celebrated as the profound reality of our faith: "Our God is with us." This lyrical choice powerfully encapsulates the message of the Incarnation, transforming the initial question implied by the title into a joyous, resounding answer. Smith's "What Child Is This" ultimately serves as a call to recognize, adore, and celebrate the divine identity of the Christ child, not as a mystery to be pondered, but as a glorious truth to be embraced with resounding praise.