What Child Is This
4-4-1 Lyrics
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On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
Why has the Child, the Chosen One
Has chosen sinners like us
Here lies the Babe, God's only Son
The Babe, the Chosen Jesus
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
Noel, Noel
The King is born, Noel
Come, let us adore Him
Sing, we sing; Noel
Noel, Noel
The King is born, Noel
Come, let us adore Him
Sing, we sing; Noel
The Love came down for all of us
With no exceptions restraining us
We'll sing as one forevermore
We praise You and adore
The lyrics of "What Child Is This" by 4-4-1 speak of the awe and wonder surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by questioning the identity of the child who is peacefully sleeping on Mary's lap. The lyrics suggest that this child, the Chosen One, has chosen sinners like us, emphasizing the concept of God's grace and love reaching out to all.
The chorus of the song describes this child as Christ, the King, whom the shepherds guard and the angels sing about. The repetition of the line "Haste, haste to bring Him laud" expresses the urgency and excitement to honor and praise the newborn baby, who is the Son of Mary.
In the following verse, the lyrics shift to a reference to the biblical story of the three wise men who brought gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh to Jesus. The song invites both peasants and kings to come and acknowledge Jesus as their King, symbolizing that all people, regardless of their social status, can recognize and worship Him.
The chorus is repeated once again, emphasizing that Christ is the King whom the shepherds guard and the angels sing about. The lyrics urge others to join in praising and adoring Him.
The song concludes with the jubilant reprisal of the word "Noel," which signifies the joyous celebration of Christmas. The lyrics remind listeners that the King has been born, and it is an invitation to come and adore Him. The final lines express unity among believers, singing together forevermore, praising and adoring Jesus, whose love came down for everyone without any exceptions.
Line by Line Meaning
What Child is this, who, laid to rest
Who is this infant, peacefully resting in a cradle?
On Mary's lap is sleeping
This precious child is nestled in the embrace of Mary, his mother.
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
He is the one whom heavenly angels celebrate with melodious hymns.
While shepherds watch are keeping
Meanwhile, humble shepherds stand vigil, keeping watch over him.
Why has the Child, the Chosen One
What is the reason that this divine child, the one chosen by God, has come?
Has chosen sinners like us
He has come to offer grace to those who have strayed or sinned.
Here lies the Babe, God's only Son
Here rests the infant, the only Son of God, in our midst.
The Babe, the Chosen Jesus
This is the cherished child, Jesus, destined to fulfill a greater purpose.
This, This is Christ, the King
Indeed, this is Jesus Christ, the sovereign King sent to us.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
He is the one whom the shepherds protect and the angels exalt in song.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Quickly come to honor and praise Him with joyful reverence.
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This is the infant, the beloved Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
Therefore, let us present Him with gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh, signifying his significance.
Come, peasant, king to own Him
Let everyone, whether humble or royal, acknowledge His sovereignty.
The King of kings salvation brings
He is the mightiest ruler who comes to offer salvation to all.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
May our hearts filled with love uplift Him to a place of honor.
This, This is Christ, the King
Truly, this is Jesus Christ, our revered King.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
He is protected by shepherds and celebrated in song by angels.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Let us swiftly gather to show Him our admiration and gratitude.
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This cherished infant is none other than the Son of Mary.
This, This is Christ, the King
Indeed, this is our savior, Jesus Christ, the King.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
He is the one under the watch of the shepherds and the subject of angelic praise.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Let us quickly come together to honor Him.
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This is the infant Jesus, Son of Mary, that we adore.
Noel, Noel
Joyfully proclaim the birth, celebrating His arrival.
The King is born, Noel
The King of all has been born; let us rejoice.
Come, let us adore Him
Join us in reverence and adoration of Him.
Sing, we sing; Noel
Let us raise our voices in song, joyfully declaring ‘Noel’.
Noel, Noel
Celebrate in unison, exclaiming the joyous ‘Noel’.
The King is born, Noel
The King has arrived; let us rejoice in this moment.
Come, let us adore Him
Let's gather to express our love and admiration for Him.
Sing, we sing; Noel
We will raise our voices together, celebrating with the sweet sound of ‘Noel’.
The Love came down for all of us
Divine love has descended to reach every one of us.
With no exceptions restraining us
This love embraces all, leaving no one excluded or untouched.
We'll sing as one forevermore
Together, we will unite in song for eternity.
We praise You and adore
We offer our heartfelt praise and deep reverence for You.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, LEFT HANDED COMPLIMENT
Written by: DOUGLAS E WAGNER, WILLIAM C DIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind