What Child Is This?
M.GIBSON 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 laud
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "What Child Is This" describe the scene of the birth of Jesus Christ, as depicted in the biblical story. The song begins by questioning the identity of the child who is peacefully resting on Mary's lap. The child is so special that angels themselves greet him with beautiful songs, while shepherds watch over him in awe. The chorus proclaims that this child is Christ the King, whom the shepherds protect and the angels celebrate.


The second verse of the song shifts the focus to the arrival of the wise men. They bring precious gifts, such as incense, gold, and myrrh, to honor the newborn child. The lyrics emphasize that people from all walks of life, whether they be peasants or kings, have come to acknowledge and worship him. Jesus, being the King of kings, brings forth salvation. The song then implores all loving hearts to enthrone him and exalt his name.


The concluding verse highlights the joyous celebration surrounding the birth of Christ. It speaks of a song sung by a virgin, alluding to Mary's lullaby, as she tenderly sings to her baby. The lyrics evoke a sense of joy and happiness because the Savior, Christ, has been born, as the son of Mary.


Overall, "What Child Is This" is a reverent and awe-filled song that reflects on the miraculous birth of Jesus and the significance of his arrival, uniting people from all backgrounds to recognize and honor him.


Line by Line Meaning

What child is this, who, laid to rest
Who is this child, 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 are keeping
While shepherds are keeping watch


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


Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Whom shepherds protect and angels praise


Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Hurry, hurry to praise Him


The babe, the son of Mary
The infant, the child of Mary


So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh
Therefore, offer him incense, gold, and myrrh


Come, peasant, king, to own him
Come, commoner and king, to acknowledge him


The King of kings salvation brings
The King of all kings brings salvation


Let loving hearts enthrone him
Allow loving hearts to proclaim him as ruler


Raise, raise a song on high
Sing a joyful song loudly


The virgin sings her lullaby
The young woman sings a soothing song


Joy, joy for Christ is born
Happiness, happiness because Christ is born


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




Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O DistroKid, PETER PAN MUSIC PUBLISHING, Songtrust Ave
Written by: DONALD KASEN, TRADITIONAL TRADITIONAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Frank P Marsala

Nobody sings Christmas like Donna. Her beautiful and passionate voice tugs at your heartstrings and draws you deep into the Christmas prayerful mystery ๐Ÿ™

Created2bless

Breathtaking! This was suggested to me today, I don't usually listent to Christmas songs until the right time but this is BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Donna Cori

Awwww, THANK YOU! I love this song.

Francis hopkins

God Bless you. Beautifully Sung. ๐Ÿ•Š๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ•Š

shafur3

Beautiful and thank you. Merry Christmas

Dr John Emil

+ thanks + what a song i love it so much > i hope you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR + Dr. john+

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