What Child Is This?
Paul and Brenda Neal Lyrics
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On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
This, this is Christ the King
Whome shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding
Good Christian fear for sinners here
The silent word is pleading
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
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe the son of Mary
The babe the son of Mary
The lyrics to Paul and Brenda Neal's "What Child Is This?" paint a picture of the nativity scene and asks a series of questions about the identity of the baby lying in the manger. The first verse describes the infant Jesus as being cradled in Mary's lap, while angels and shepherds gather around to celebrate his birth. The chorus answers the question of the baby's identity by declaring that "this is Christ the King."
The second verse raises the question of why the savior of the world would be born in such humble surroundings, surrounded not by royal attendants but by barnyard animals. The answer, the lyricist writes, is that Christ has come to save not just the wealthy and powerful, but also the lowly and downtrodden.
The final verse recalls the visit of the Magi, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the newborn King. The chorus repeats the declaration that the baby in the manger is indeed Christ the King, encouraging Christians to bring their own offerings of praise and adoration to this humble yet divine child.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this who laid to rest
Who is this child who is lying down to rest?
On Mary's lap is sleeping
He is sleeping on Mary's lap.
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
The angels are greeting Him with sweet anthems.
While shepherds watch are keeping
The shepherds are watching Him.
This, this is Christ the King
This child is Christ the King.
Whome shepherds guard and angels sing
The shepherds are guarding Him and the angels are singing.
Haste, haste to bring him laud
Hurry and bring Him praise.
The babe the son of Mary
This child is the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Why is He lying in such a humble state?
Where ox and ass are feeding
He is lying where the ox and ass are feeding.
Good Christian fear for sinners here
Good Christians, fear for the sinners here.
The silent word is pleading
His silence is pleading.
So bring Him incense gold and myrrh
Bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come peasant King to own Him
Come, peasant king, and claim Him.
The King of Kings salvation brings
The King of Kings brings salvation.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
The babe the son of Mary
This child is the son of Mary.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Douglas E Wagner, William C Dix
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind