What Child is This?
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What child is this?
(William Chatterton Dix, 18xx)

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.
Cho: 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 Christian, fear; for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Come, peasant, King to own Him;
The King of Kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone him.

@seasonal @Xmas @carol
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Overall Meaning

The song "What Child is This?" is a Christmas carol that reflects on the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse starts with a question that sets the tone for the rest of the song as the singer wonders about the identity of the child laid to rest on Mary's lap. The second verse reveals that the child is Jesus, the Christ, who has been born into humble circumstances among oxen and asses. The third verse calls on Christians to offer precious gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh to the newborn king, recognizing that he is not only a peasant but also the King of Kings who brings salvation. The song's use of imagery, such as the shepherds' watch and the gifts of the Magi, conveys a sense of wonder and awe at the miraculous birth of Jesus.


Interestingly, the melody of "What Child is This?" is adapted from the English folk song "Greensleeves," which was already popular in the 16th century. The lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix in the 19th century and first published in 1865, at a time when interest in Christmas carols was experiencing a revival in England. The song has since become a beloved classic and has been recorded by numerous artists.


Line by Line Meaning

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
Who is this baby peacefully sleeping on Mother Mary's lap?


On Mary's lap is sleeping?
The child is asleep on Mary's lap?


Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
The angels are welcoming and singing sweet songs for the baby.


While shepherds watch are keeping.
The shepherds are vigilant while watching over the baby.


This, this is Christ the King,
This is Christ, the King of all rulers.


Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
He is the one whom shepherds protect and angels sing for.


Haste, haste, to bring him laud
Hurry, hurry, bring him praise.


The Babe, the Son of Mary.
He is both a newborn and the son of Mary.


Why lies He in such mean estate,
Why is he resting in such a humble place?


Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where the oxen and donkeys are also eating?


Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
Christians should fear because in the presence of sinners.


The silent Word is pleading.
The Word of God is pleading in silence.


So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Bring him offerings of incense, gold and myrrh.


Come, peasant, King to own Him;
All peasants should recognize him as their King.


The King of Kings salvation brings
The Savior of all kings is here to bring salvation.


Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Allow Him to be seated on the throne of our loving hearts.




Contributed by Olivia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@technotricks_ofc

I cried while listening to this 😭😭 it's just beautiful... this was my favourite christmas carol as a child after more than 20 years I remembered it and I found it .. it made electricity run through my body it moved me to tears I guess I dint understand it back then the way I do now 😭❀ ..This is the Season the CROSS was the reason!!! Thank you Lord πŸ™ AMEN

@theodoretekkers

God bless merry Christmas.

@knatsomitab7376

Me too...I bawled. Its conviction by the Holy Spirit...covered me in goosebumps and sad/joy. Beautiful. He is the Truth, the Life and the Way.

@margaretlampton2427

Merry Christmas it a nice some to hear on Christmas Eve or Christmas day

@knatsomitab7376

@@margaretlampton2427 Merry Christ mass sweet person! May His love cover and keep you forever!

@allanthomas6954

Same here man

@jennob1333

Thank you, my LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST for saving a sinner like me.

The LORD JESUS CHRIST, the reason for the season. The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the best gift anyone can receive.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

@Jacob-lp9gv

I think there are two best gifts any one can receive the birth of Savior and the final sacrifice Jesus dieing on the cross to save us

@reosemuel

true, all you need to do is love him, believe in him and repent of your sins

@Thewawacat_

Anyone's not gonna talk about how cool the background animation is? Also very calming and great song

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