☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, who sleeps on the lap of his mother Mary.
- Angels and shepherds watch and sing praises to the newborn baby Jesus.
- The three Wise Men from the East bring gifts to the child, including frankincense, gold, and myrrh.
- Jesus is called the 'King of Kings', emphasizing his divine nature and his role as the Savior.
- The symbolism of holly and mistletoe represents the hope and eternal life that accompany the birth of Jesus.
Interpretation
The song lyrics 'What Child Is This?/The Holly And The Ivy' by
Bing Crosby tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ on Mary's lap, as described in the New Testament. 'What child is this who laid to rest On Mary's lap is sleeping?' is a direct reference to Jesus sleeping on his mother Mary's lap. Angels and shepherds watch and sing praises to the newborn child. 'So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh Come peasant, king to own Him' refers to the gifts of the three Wise Men who visited the child Jesus and brought him frankincense, gold, and myrrh.
In the song, Jesus is referred to as the 'King of Kings', emphasizing his divine nature and role as Savior. 'The King of Kings salvation brings Let loving hearts enthrone Him' shows that Jesus should be worshipped and loved as Savior and King.
The second part of the song, 'The Holly And The Ivy', uses the symbolism of holly and ivy to depict the birth of Jesus and the associated joy. 'The holly wears the crown' could indicate that the holly, which remains green in winter, represents the hope and eternal life that Jesus brings. 'And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To be our sweet Saviour' emphasizes once again Mary's role as the mother of Jesus and Jesus as our Savior.
In summary, the song lyrics are a solemn portrayal of the Christian Christmas story, highlighting the birth of Jesus, the joys and gifts that his birth brings, and the hope and eternal life associated with the symbolism of holly and ivy.