Christmas Song of the Day
Dec 1
What Child Is This is a very good example of one of the things that I think has allowed Christianity to thrive: it’s complete and unashamed willingness to co-opt any and all cultural touchstones. The tune is actually Greensleeves, an English folk song about being cheated on. The original song is sad and earthy. The Christian version, while retaining the same solemn tune, is a loving tune about the birth of the Savior. This song is a small example of the tendency of Christianity to gleefully incorporate whatever local customs, holidays and folkways it encountered. I think that willingness goes a long way to explain Christianity’s acceptance.
Well, that and the willingness to kill anyone who didn’t convert.
What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?[CHORUS]
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.[CHORUS]
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.[CHORUS]
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.[CHORUS]
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary
#1 by David Dvorkin at December 1st, 2008
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It’s just a variety of cultural imperialism. It’s no different from the way Christians can’t even leave commercial catchphrases alone. They have to appropriate anything that catches on — e.g., the “Got Jesus?” billboards.
#2 by bob at December 2nd, 2008
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Those evil Christians, how dare they co-opt a sad song and turn it into a joyful tribute to the Incarnation -one of the two most important events in mankind history. Honestly, you guys are really stretching things here. The fact is that the Catholic Church’s positive influence on western civilization is so profound and is so far reaching that most of these things are now taken for granted in our culture; many people either don’t realize the debt owed to the Church or are unwilling to admit it. I am enjoying your Christmas Song of the Day, though.
#3 by Karen at December 2nd, 2008
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I’m not getting into the debate on Christianity, but I wanted to thank you for publishing the complete lyrics. The choruses are my favorite parts of this song, and deserve more exposure.
#4 by Rachel I. at December 22nd, 2008
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I’d just like to point out that the US’s national anthem takes its tune from an old drinking song. Google for “Anacreon”.
Christianity (esp. the two ends of that spectrum, the Catholic Church and southern Protestantism) pisses me off too, but then, I’m currently making a rosary for a friend for Xmas, so… meh. *shrugs*