What Child Is This?
Carolers Lyrics
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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,
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.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
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.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sing her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
In the popular carol “What Child is This,” the lyrics pose questions about Jesus’ birth, as well as provide answers. The first stanza asks who the baby sleeping on Mary’s lap is, and the stanza provides the answer that He is Christ the King. This introduces the theme of Jesus’ divinity and sets the stage for the events of the rest of the carol. The second stanza asks why Jesus, the King of Kings, would be born in such a humble place, among ox and asses. The answer is that He is here to save sinners. This is an important message because it is reminding Christians that, despite Jesus’ divine status, He is coming to save humanity, regardless of their social status.
The third and final stanza calls for all people, peasant or king, to come and worship Jesus, bringing Him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh. It reminds us that Jesus is the King of Kings, and by bowing down before Him, we acknowledge His power and authority. The carol ends on a joyful note, celebrating the birth of Christ, the Son of Mary. Overall, the song is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the significance of the birth of Jesus for all Christians.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Who is this child, peacefully sleeping on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
The child whom angels greet with beautiful songs as shepherds watch over 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 is the King, guarded by shepherds and celebrated by angels. Let us rush to give him praise, the baby born to Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding?
Why is he lying in such a humble place surrounded by animals?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.
Fear not, for this silent child is pleading for the salvation of sinners.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The Cross be borne for me, for you; Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
He will suffer by being pierced by nails and a spear and will carry the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Hail to the Word made flesh, 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.
Bring him offerings of incense, gold, and myrrh - come, whether you are a peasant or a king, to honor him. The King of kings brings salvation; let us make him the ruler of our hearts.
Raise, raise the song on high, The Virgin sing her lullaby: Joy, joy, for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Sing with exultation, as the Virgin mother hums a lullaby to her baby boy. Rejoice! Christ, the Son of Mary, is born!
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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