Rebecca was born in Sydney, Australia, to David and Helen Smallbone. She is the oldest of seven children, and currently lives in Los Angeles with Jacob. Rebecca took the name St. James from her grandmother, as it was her maiden name. Her album ‘’God’’ was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1995. Also, ‘’Pray ‘’ was certified Gold by the RIAA on the last week of September 1999.
Rebecca's musical career began in 1990 at age 13 when she began opening shows for CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) artist Carman during his Australian tour which was promoted by her father's company, David Smallbone Promotions. That same year she recorded her first album, Refresh My Heart. In 1991 she moved to the United States upon signing with ForeFront Records, and took her stage name at the label's request.
In 1999 Rebecca received a Grammy Award for her album ''Pray'' in the Best Rock Gospel Album category. Rebecca is the eighth Australian artist or group to win a Grammy Award.
In 2003 she played the part of Maggie (Mary Magdalene) in the !HERO rock opera.
Rebecca is an open supporter of teenage sexual abstinence, and has become an unofficial spokesperson for True Love Waits. The single "Wait for Me", from her 2000 album Transform, encourages waiting to have sex until after marriage. Later that year it also became the title and focus of a 46-city tour. James wrote the song herself on a tour bus, and it became instantly popular. The song was also used on the TV program The O.C. Rebecca's first book, titled Wait for Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance, was published in 2002 and further addressed the issue.
In November of 2005, Rebecca released her highly anticipated album If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something. After not putting out a new pop/rock album since 2000, this album combines Rebecca's overall versatility in vocal and song writing to the finest degree.
Rebecca sang a song on the 2005 soundtrack, Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia called "Lion" for which she won a Dove Award.
A Special Edition of If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something was released in November 2006 and included two acoustic tracks and other special features.
In 2007. Rebecca released her live CD\DVD aLIVE In Florida featuring some of her No. 1 hits as well as fan favorites.
In 2008, two compilation albums, The Ultimate Collection (Double Disc) and Greatest Hits featuring some of her biggest hits were released. The same year she also released a new book called Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, Body, & Spirit which broke into Top 10 at #9 on the CBA bestseller's list in Feb 2009. Pure is also nominated among the Top 3 books of 2009 for the youth/teen market.
The September 09' release of Loved, (Hachette/Faithwords) and the fall national film release of Sarah’s Choice capped 2009 as one of Rebecca’s most creatively diverse years.
What Child Is This
Rebecca St. James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On Mary's lap was 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 lamb 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
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary
The babe, the son of Mary
The lyrics to "What Child Is This" evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the infant Jesus. The first verse describes the image of Mary holding the baby Jesus, with angels singing sweet songs in the background, while shepherds keep watch over the manger. The second verse takes a more pensive turn, asking the question, "Why lies he in such mean estate?" The answer is that Jesus, the silent Word, is pleading for the sinners of the world. The final verse urges all to come and pay homage to this King, to bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, and to enthrone him in their loving hearts.
Overall, the song beautifully captures the awe and majesty of Christmas, of a holy and divine child born into humble circumstances to save the world. The melody is haunting and peaceful, and the lyrics touch on the humility and grace of Jesus, who takes on the sins of humanity and offers salvation to all who come to him.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap was sleeping?
Who is this child, peacefully resting on the lap of Mary?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
Who the angels joyfully welcome with sweet hymns, as the shepherds keep watch?
This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary
This is Jesus, the King, whom shepherds protect and angels glorify; Let us hurry to praise Him, the newborn son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and lamb are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.
Why is He resting in such humble conditions among the oxen and lambs? Christian, beware, for the Word, though silent, pleads for sinners.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, King, to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Bring Him offerings of incense, gold, and myrrh, O peasant, recognizing that He is a King; The Savior of all kings brings salvation, So let our loving hearts enthrone Him.
Contributed by Gabriel I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.