What Child Is This?
Eugene Ormandy: The Philadelphia Orchestra And Chorus Lyrics
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On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
[Chorus]
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
[Chorus]
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
[Chorus]
The song "What Child Is This?" is a beautiful Christmas carol that portrays the scene of the newborn baby Jesus lying in a manger. The lyrics convey the awe and reverence felt by both the angels who proclaim his arrival and the shepherds who witness this miraculous event. The chorus contemplates the significance of the child, acknowledging him as the Christ the King, whom the shepherds guard and the angels sing to. The urgency in the chorus to bring him praise encourages listeners to join in the adoration and honor him as the Son of Mary.
The second verse questions why the baby lies in such humble conditions surrounded by farm animals. This raises concerns for the Christian believers as they recognize that the quiet Word in the form of an innocent child has come to plead for sinners' redemption. The song urges "good Christians" to recognize the opportunity presented by the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the need to fear and repent from sin, as the silent Word silently but powerfully intercedes for humanity.
The final verse calls for people of all walks of life, from peasants to kings, to pay homage to the newborn King. The offerings of incense, gold, and myrrh symbolize the homage and respect due to a king. The chorus reiterates that Jesus, as the King of kings, brings salvation. The song suggests that in response to this incredible gift of salvation, all hearts should welcome and enthrone him with love and devotion.
Line by Line Meaning
What Child is this who, laid to rest
Who is this Child who is peacefully lying down
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Sleeping on the lap of Mary?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
Whom the Angels welcome with beautiful songs,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
While the shepherds are diligently observing?
This, this is Christ the King,
This, this is the King, Christ,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Whom the shepherds protect and the Angels sing about;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
Quickly, quickly, come and praise Him,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
The small Child, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Why is He lying in such humble conditions,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where oxen and donkeys are eating?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
Devout Christians, be concerned, because sinners are here
The silent Word is pleading.
The quiet Word is advocating.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Therefore, bring Him fragrant smoke, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
Come, both commoners and kings, to acknowledge Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
The King of all kings brings salvation,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Allow affectionate hearts to establish Him as the supreme ruler.
Lyrics © DISK EYES MUSIC
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