What Child Is This?
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (Holiday) Lyrics

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What child is this who lay to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch our 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

Where lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and lamb are feeding?
Good Christians fear for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading

Nails, nails shall pierce Him through
The cross be borne for me and you
Hail, hail the Word made flesh
The Babe, the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant, come 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, ooh, ooh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "What Child Is This?" by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (Holiday) depict the scene of Jesus' birth and reflect on the significance of his arrival. The song starts by questioning who this child could be, lying peacefully in Mary's arms. It mentions how the angels greet him with sweet anthems while shepherds keep watch over them.

The answer to the question of "what child is this?" is revealed in the chorus. This child is Christ the King, guarded by shepherds and celebrated by angels. The urgency to praise and worship him is emphasized with the repeated exhortation to "haste, haste to bring Him laud." The lyrics capture the importance of recognizing that this baby is not just any ordinary child, but the Son of God.

The second verse acknowledges the humble surroundings in which Jesus lies, among ox and lamb who are feeding. It highlights the concern Christians have for sinners and the personal connection to Jesus' crucifixion. The silent Word, Jesus himself, is described as pleading for humanity, even though nails will pierce him through and he will bear the cross for the redemption of sinners.

The final verse calls on everyone, from the lowly peasant to the king, to offer their gifts to this child. The birth of Christ is declared as the salvation brought by the King of Kings. It encourages hearts filled with love to enthrone him and expresses joy for his birth, as the Virgin Mary sings a lullaby for her son.

Overall, "What Child Is This?" beautifully captures the wonder and reverence surrounding the birth of Jesus and the magnitude of his significance for humanity.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this who lay to rest
Who is this child that is peacefully sleeping

On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Resting on Mary's lap?

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

While shepherds watch our keeping?
As shepherds guard and protect us

This, this is Christ the King
This is the King, Jesus Christ

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Whom shepherds protect and angels celebrate

Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Quickly, quickly come and praise Him

The Babe, the Son of Mary
The infant, the child of Mary

Where lies He in such mean estate
Where is He lying in such a humble place

Where ox and lamb are feeding?
Where the ox and lamb are eating?

Good Christians fear for sinners here
Devout Christians fear for the sinners in this world