What Child Is This
Don Scaletta Trio 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 donkeys are feeding?
Good Christians, 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 a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the Son of Mary
The song "What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol that reflects on the identity of the infant child, Jesus Christ. The song begins with a question, "What child is this?" and then proceeds to describe Him as the King whom the shepherds and angels are worshiping. The lyrics invite people to hasten and praise Him, the Son of Mary. In the second verse, the song describes the humble setting that Christ was born into, lying in a manger where animals also fed. This description of Christ's humble birth is a reminder of why he came to earth-- to bear the sins of humanity. The final verse invites people to bring gifts to honor the child, Christ the King, and to raise their voices in joyful praise.
The song eloquently speaks of the difference between the lowly means by which Jesus was born and the exaltation that he deserves for his role as the Son of God. It also presents the idea of charity and service when the Magi, no matter their status in society, came to offer gifts to Him. Moreover, the song expresses the emotions of joy and worship that should be offered to Jesus through the loud ringing of bells and singing of praises. Overall, "What Child Is This?" encourages listeners to embrace and celebrate Jesus as the salvation of mankind.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Who is this child that is asleep on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
The angels sing beautiful songs to this child and 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 child is Jesus, the King. The shepherds guard him and angels sing praise. Let's hurry to praise him, the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and donkeys are feeding?
Why is Jesus lying in a humble place where the oxen and donkeys eat?
Good Christians, 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
Christians should be afraid because Jesus is begging silently for sinners. He will be pierced with nails and a spear and will bear the cross for us. Let's hail 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
Let's bring incense, gold, and myrrh to honor Jesus, whether we are peasants or kings. He is the King of kings and brings us salvation. Let's enthrone him in our loving hearts.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the Son of Mary
Let's sing a song of praise loudly because the virgin Mary sings her lullaby to Jesus. We should rejoice because Christ is born, the Son of Mary.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management
Written by: DOUGLAS E WAGNER, WILLIAM C DIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind