Norman was originally involved in Young Life Ministries and gained a considerable fan base by performing at the summer camps there. This has drawn parallels to musician Matt Wertz and producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant), both who gained fame through their involvement with Young Life. Upon releasing Big Blue Sky, his third album, Norman included a slip asking for donations to the organization. His song "Walk Down This Mountain" is about an experience at Young Life's Wilderness Ranch.
Norman released Between the Dreaming and the Coming True in September 2006. The tour in support of this album featured Christian music newcomers Aaron Shust and Brandon Heath. Norman is a graduate of Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. His song, "To Find My Way To You" was used on various promos for the CBS sitcom, The Class.
Bebo's single called "Britney" is written to Britney Spears, and is featured on Norman's ninth studio self-titled album. Recently (2007–2008) Bebo has appeared with several notable Christian artists on tour as they present Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb" concerts during the Christmas season.
Bebo Norman's new album, "Ocean", released on September 28, 2010. It's a personal album, according to Norman, that covers the discovery of his true identity and the battle between fear and faith. The singer/songwriter told CBN.com that he hopes "Ocean" causes listeners to "look internally… at where they draw their own identity from. It’s worth wrestling with who we are, where we draw our value from, and where we draw our life from and .... refocusing on the source of whatever season of life we are in rather than focusing on the season itself."
What Child Is This
Bebo Norman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, King, to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary
Nails and spear shall pierce Him through
The cross be born for me, for you
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The opening lines of Bebo Norman's "What Child Is This" immediately introduce us to the central question of the song: who is this sleeping child in Mary’s lap that has inspired heaven and earth to sing and watch over Him? The reference to the angels greeting Him with anthems sweet and the shepherds watching over Him indicate that this is no ordinary child - this is Christ the King. The following lines acknowledge that, despite His divine status as the King of all kings, He is lying in a lowly manger surrounded by farm animals. This juxtaposition of glory and humility is a hallmark of the story of Jesus’ birth and one that this song highlights beautifully.
The final stanza of the song shifts our focus from the shepherds, angels and Mary to our own relationship with Christ. It calls upon "peasant kings" to come forward and offer their own precious offerings of incense, gold and myrrh, not to the newborn monarch as brought by the Magi in the traditional nativity tale, but to the Savior who offers salvation to all. The final lines of the song lead us to the Passion of the Christ, with the brutal nature of his eventual death on the cross being foretold by the reference to nails and spear piercing Him. Overall, the song is a beautiful meditation on the infant Jesus, His identity as the Christ, and the salvation that He brings.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
Who is this baby, peacefully sleeping on Mary's lap?
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Why is this holy infant resting in his mother's arms?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
What is it about this child that causes angels to sing sweet songs in His honor?
While shepherds watch are keeping?
What is the significance of the shepherds who are keeping watch over this infant?
This, this is Christ the King,
This baby is none other than the Messiah, the long-awaited King of Israel.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Both shepherds and angels are keeping watch over this holy child, recognizing His immense importance.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
Let us rush to offer Him our praise and worship!
The babe, the son of Mary
This child is both a tiny baby and the son of Mary, who bore Him into the world.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Why is the Son of God resting in such a lowly place, surrounded by farm animals?
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Why is the birthplace of the Savior surrounded by grazing animals?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
Christian believers should be in awe of the fact that the Word of God became flesh in a world of sin.
The silent Word is pleading.
Despite the humble circumstances surrounding His birth, this baby still embodies the divine message of salvation for all humanity.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Let us bring offerings of worship, like the wise men who came bearing gifts.
Come, peasant, King, to own Him;
Everyone, regardless of station or status, can acknowledge Jesus Christ as their true King.
The King of kings salvation brings,
This child, who is also the King of Kings, is the fulfillment of God's plan for the salvation of humanity.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
May our love for Him be so great that we give Him a place of honor in our own hearts and lives.
Nails and spear shall pierce Him through
This same King will eventually face death on a cross, fulfilling the prophecy of His ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.
The cross be born for me, for you
Jesus willingly bore the cross and its agony for the sake of each and every person's redemption from sin.
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh
Rejoice! The Word of God took on human form in Jesus, spreading hope and love to all.
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This child is both a tiny baby and the son of Mary, who played a role in God's plan for salvation.
Contributed by Mason F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.