Title: What Child is This?
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 10, 2025
Bible: Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:11
Summary: What Child is This?
Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel, Forest Hill Presbyterian Church Series: Advent Devotional – Scripture and Carols
This devotional explores the theological depth and history behind the Christmas carol "What Child is This?"
Scriptural Foundation:
Isaiah 9:6: Identifies the child as both human ("child is born") and divine ("son is given"). The titles "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," and "Prince of Peace" describe His character and role as the fulfillment of the promise to David.
Luke 2:11: The carol's chorus reflects the angel's message to the shepherds, proclaiming Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord.
John 1: Highlights Jesus' divine nature as the eternal Word made flesh.
History of the Carol:
The Lyrics: Written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix, a marine insurance manager, during a period of severe illness and spiritual awakening. The text comes from his poem "The Manger Throne".
The Music: The lyrics were paired with the 16th-century English folk tune "Greensleeves." Although originally a secular love song with sometimes immoral associations, the haunting melody had been associated with Christmas for centuries prior to Dix's poem.
Lyrical Message: The carol invites believers to recognize the humble infant as "Christ the King." It contrasts His "mean estate" in the manger with His future sacrifice (nails and spear) and calls for worship from all people—peasant and king alike—to "enthrone Him" in their hearts.