What Child Is This
Andrew Craig Lyrics

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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?

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him Lord

The Babe, the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold, and myth
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 Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary

Overall Meaning

The opening line of Andrew Craig's "What Child Is This" sets the tone for the entire song. The listener is immediately transported to a peaceful, wintry scene where Mary cradles the newborn Jesus in her arms. The verse is initially posed as a rhetorical question, which sets up the following lines providing the answer. The second line offers an image of the sleeping babe and establishes the presence of angels singing sweetly in the background while shepherds watch over him.

However, the tone shifts with the chorus. The repeated line "This, this is Christ the King" offers a declaration of who the child is, rather than a question. The chorus is a call to action, urging listeners to bring gifts to the baby Jesus, such as incense, gold, and myrrh. The final lines of the chorus reinforce that Jesus is the King of Kings and that he brings salvation to all. The song ends with the repeated chorus, underscoring the importance of the message.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this, who, laid to rest
Who is this child that is peacefully sleeping?

On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Resting comfortably on Mary's lap, who is this child?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Whom the angels welcome with beautiful songs

While shepherds watch are keeping?
As the shepherds watch over the child

This, this is Christ the King
This child is Christ, the leader of his people

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Protected by shepherds, praised by angels

Haste, haste to bring him Lord
Hurry, hurry to bring him to his rightful place

The Babe, the Son of Mary
The child is Mary's son, the Babe

So bring Him incense, gold, and myth
Offer him fragrant incense, valuable gold, and a story worth telling

Come peasant, king, to own Him
Regardless of one's social status, all should claim ownership of him

The King of kings, salvation brings
The one true leader, who brings salvation