What Child Is This?
Steven C. Anderson 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
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 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.
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne, for me, for you:
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
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.
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.
Raise, raise, the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy joy for Christ is born,
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.
These lyrics are from the song "What Child Is This?" by Steven C. Anderson. The song seeks to answer the question of who the child that Mary is cradling in her lap is. The first verse describes how the angels sing sweet anthems to greet this child, while the shepherds watch over him. The child is identified as Christ the King, and it calls for everyone to hurry and come to praise him, acknowledging him as the Son of Mary.
The second verse questions why this child is lying in a lowly and humble place where even the ox and ass are feeding. The lyrics caution Christians to fear, as this silent word, referring to Jesus, is pleading for sinners. It reinforces that this child is Christ the King, and again calls for people to hurry and bring praise to him as the Son of Mary.
The third verse highlights the future suffering and sacrifice that Jesus, as the Word made flesh, will endure. It mentions that he will be pierced by nails and a spear, and he will carry the burden of the Cross for the sake of humanity. It emphasizes that although this child is the Son of Mary, he is also the King, deserving of hail and praise.
The fourth verse brings a sense of worship and adoration. It speaks of bringing incense, gold, and myrrh as offerings to this child, calling for both peasants and kings to acknowledge and honor his kingship. It celebrates how the King of Kings brings salvation, and it urges loving hearts to enthrone him as their ruler.
The final verse highlights the joyous nature of Christ's birth. It mentions the Virgin Mary singing a lullaby to her child, bringing forth the message of joy for the birth of Christ, once again affirming that this child is Christ the King, the Son of Mary. The lyrics conclude by urging everyone to hurry and bring praise to 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 peacefully on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Whom angels welcome with beautiful songs
While shepherds watch are keeping?
As the shepherds keep a watchful eye?
This, this is Christ the King
This, this is the King, Jesus Christ
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Whom the shepherds protect and angels praise
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
Quickly, quickly offer Him praise
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
The baby, the son of Mary
Why lies He in such mean estate
Why does He lie in humble circumstances
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where animals like ox and ass eat?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,
Dear Christian, be afraid, for sinners are present here
The silent Word is pleading.
The quiet Word is praying
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,
Nails and a spear will pierce Him
The Cross be borne, for me, for you:
He will carry the Cross for me and you
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
Greetings, greetings to the incarnate Word
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
The baby, the son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;
Therefore, bring Him fragrant spices, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant, king to own Him.
Both peasants and kings come to acknowledge Him
The King of Kings salvation brings;
The King of all kings brings salvation
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
May devoted hearts crown Him as king
Raise, raise, the song on high,
Lift up, lift up the song high
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
The Virgin Mary sings a lullaby
Joy joy for Christ is born,
Rejoice, rejoice for Christ is born
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
The baby, the son of Mary!
This, this is Christ the King
This, this is Jesus Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Whom the shepherds protect and angels praise
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
Quickly, quickly offer Him praise
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
The baby, the son of Mary
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOUGLAS E WAGNER, WILLIAM C DIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind