What Child Is This?
St. Davids Cathedral Choir Lyrics
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On Mary's lap was sleeping
Whom angles 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 (I don't know what this is!)
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and lamb 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
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
"What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol that evokes a sense of wonder and amazement at the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics describe the scene of the newborn Christ lying on Mary's lap while shepherds watch over him and angels sing in praise. The first stanza sets the scene of the peaceful sleeping child, with angels singing sweet anthems and shepherds keeping watch.
The second stanza asks why the newborn child is lying in such a humble and simple manger, and describes how this silent child is pleading for the salvation of humankind. The last stanza calls on people from all walks of life, be it peasants or kings, to come and pay homage to the newborn king, who is the savior of all humanity. The lyrics of the song combine to tell the timeless story of the birth of Jesus and how people from all backgrounds were called to come and worship him.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap was sleeping
Who is this child that is sleeping on Mary's lap, at peace and at rest?
Whom angles greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
The angels are singing songs of praise to this child while the watchful shepherds keep their eyes on 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
This child is none other than Christ the king, whom the shepherds are guarding and the angels are singing about. Let us hurry to give Him our praise, for He is the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and lamb are feeding
Good Christian, fear; For sinners here
The silent word is pleading
Why is He lying here in such a humble place, where oxen and lambs are eating? Christian, do not be afraid, for even though He does not speak, His presence here is a plea for sinners.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant, king, to own Him
The king of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Let us bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, and let all - peasant and king alike - come to claim Him as their own. For this King of kings brings salvation, and let our loving hearts be His throne.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
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