What Child Is This?
The Border Brass And Singers Lyrics

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What child is this, why has He come
Who's child is this, who Fathered this Son
Why was He born, what is God's plan
Why He is Jesus, Saviour of man

Though He is Heaven's king, in a manger He lay
Owner of everything, sleeping on hay
Made Himself poor, to walk with man

To preach the Gospel, God's salvation plan

What child is this, angels appeared
Spoke to shepherds, who marveled and feared
Told His story,and why He came
They sought and found Him, and praised His name

God of the universe, had no room in the inn
God of all holiness, would die for sin

Laid down His crown, nailed to a cross
So man could be found, Saviour of the lost

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "What Child Is This?" tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by asking a question, "What child is this?" The answer is revealed in the second stanza, "This, this is Christ, the King." The lyrics talk of the shepherds who watch over their flocks and are greeted by angels singing sweet anthems. The birth of the Messiah is significant and deserving of attention and admiration.

In the third stanza, the song talks about bringing gifts to the new-born king, just as the magi brought incense, gold, and myrrh to Jesus. The last verse speaks of the future suffering of Jesus on the cross, where he would bear the weight of his flock's sins. Finally, the song calls upon all to praise the Son of joy, the risen Lord.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this?
Who is this child that we see?

Who meant to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping
Who is resting on Mary's lap in slumber?

Who angels greet with anthem sweet
Who is the one that the angels greet joyfully?

While shepherds watch our keeping
As the shepherds watch over us

This, this is Christ, the King
This child is Christ, the ruler of all

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
The one whom shepherds protect and angels sing praises of

Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Quickly come to offer Him praises

The babe, the Son of Mary
This little child is Mary's son

So bring him incense, gold and myrrh
Bring offerings of incense, gold, and myrrh to him

Come peasant King to own him
Even as a peasant, accept Him as your king

The King of kings, salvation brings
He is the king of all kings and brings salvation to us