What Child Is This
Nelson Riddle Orchestra And Chorus 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?

[Chorus]
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 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]

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Nelson Riddle Orchestra And Chorus's song "What Child Is This" invite the listener to contemplate the infant Jesus, asleep on Mary's lap, surrounded by angels and watched over by shepherds. The lyrics evoke the wonder of the Nativity scene, with its mix of the humble and the divine. The chorus goes on to identify the child as "Christ the King," affirming his exalted status and inviting listeners to join in offering him praise.

The second verse introduces a note of discord, asking why the Christ child is lying in a manger among the animals. The answer, the lyrics suggest, is that the Word of God is silently pleading for sinners to repent and be saved. This image of the savior of the world in such a lowly setting highlights the Christian message of humility and compassion. The final verse calls on listeners to bring gifts to the newborn king, whether they are rich or poor, to honor him and make him the center of their lives.

Line by Line Meaning

What Child is this who, laid to rest
Who is this Child that is lying down?

On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Why is He sleeping in Mary's lap?

Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
Who is this that the Angels are greeting with sweet songs?

While shepherds watch are keeping?
Why are the shepherds keeping watch while this Child is sleeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
This is the King of all, Christ.

Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
This is the Child whom the shepherds are guarding, and whom the Angels are singing.

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
Let us hurry to praise Him.

The Babe, the Son of Mary.
This Baby is Mary's Son.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Why is He in such a poor state?

Where ox and ass are feeding?
Why is He being laid where the ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
Dear Christians, beware, the silent Word is pleading for the sinners.