What Child Is This?
Elle Zamudio 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 myrrh
Come peasant king to love him
The king of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone him
Raise, raise the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for christ is born
The babe, the son of Mary
Oh oh
Jesus
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

Overall Meaning

Elle Zamudio's "What Child Is This" is a classic Christmas carol that retells the story of Jesus' birth. The lyrics describe the scene of baby Jesus sleeping on Mary's lap while angels sing to him and shepherds watch over him. The song also speaks of the gifts brought by the Magi, including incense, gold, and myrrh, as a form of homage for the savior. The lyrics celebrate the birth of Christ as a king, and the love and salvation he brings to the world.


The song opens with a question that forms the title of the song, "What child is this?" which draws the listener's attention to the wonder and glory of Jesus' birth. The shepherds guarding their flocks in the fields are the first to hear the news of Jesus' birth and are greeted by angels singing sweet anthems. The lyrics create a vivid picture of the scene around the manger in which Jesus rests peacefully while angels sing and shepherds keep watch over him. Furthermore, the song captures the essence of the Christian faith by proclaiming Jesus as the "king of kings" and "son of Mary" who brings salvation to the world.


In summary, "What Child Is This" is an inspiring Christmas carol that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope and joy it brings. The lyrics convey the emotions, sights, and sounds of the event in such a way that it captures the essence of the Christian faith and invites all listeners to participate in the joy of Christmas.


Line by Line Meaning

What child is this
Who is this child being referred to


Who laid to rest
Who is sleeping peacefully


On Mary's lap is sleeping
A child is sleeping calmly on Mary's lap


Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Angels sing beautiful songs to greet and celebrate the child


While shepherds watch are keeping
Shepherds are keeping watch over the child


This, this is christ the king
This child is Jesus Christ, the king of all


Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Both shepherds and angels are protecting and singing for the child


Haste, haste to bring him lord
Hurry to bring the child to the lord


The babe, the son of mary
This child is the son of Mary and is still a baby


So bring him incense
Bring him a sweet-smelling substance called incense


Gold and myrrh
Gifts of gold and myrrh ought to be brought to him


Come peasant king to love him
Even the humblest of kings are called to love this child


The king of kings salvation brings
He is the savior and brings salvation to all


Let loving hearts enthrone him
He deserves to be exalted by all who love him


Raise, raise the song on high,
Sing a joyful and exalted song to celebrate his birth


The virgin sings her lullaby
Mary, the virgin mother, is singing a calming song to put the child to sleep


Joy, joy for christ is born
There is great happiness as Christ is born


Oh oh
An exclamation of excitement for the birth of Christ


Jesus
A name given to the child who is now born




Contributed by Jordyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@armirion

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 myrrh
Come peasant king to love him
The king of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone him

Raise, raise the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for christ is born
The babe, the son of Mary

Oh oh
Jesus

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 



All comments from YouTube:

@anns2621

❤ POWERFUL! Our Lord will not return as a vulnerable baby, but as a triumphant warrior.

@ellezamudio

Hi everyone!! I just came in to find I had all these beautiful comments!! Thank you so much for all of your beautiful words it really means soooo much to me. Love you!! <3 Elle

@JackLinFife5000

Well-done on this rendition of What Child is This, which is a Christmas Carol, by the way! Good Job, and Merry Christmas!

@ginaverso

Would you do a 2022 version of this song?? It's about time we hear it again. Please! 🥺😍🙏🏼

@matildeschiavon5850

This arrangement is outstanding!!! May I ask you for the instrumental version to record a cover of it? 😍

@carolineb8620

Not a Christmas passes that I don’t listen to this song… thanks so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

@ranger233

The lord jesus christ has blessed us all with your voice!! I am a grizzly old man of 55 year and you have brought tears to my eyes. May christ be with you always in you travels.

@cherie2851

How come this song is not more famous? Such a powerful, beautiful erndition.

@lloydknighten5071

FANTASTIC!!! This is the best presentation of "What Child Is This" that I have EVER heard. LONG LIVE KING JESUS! HALLELUJAH!

@ellezamudio

Thank you guys for all the kind words and support. It really means a lot to me, I am so happy to be able to share with you :) <3 Elle

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