What Child Is This?
The Children Lyrics


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What child is this
Who lay to rest
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
Joy, joy for Christ is born
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

Raise, raise to the song on high
The virgin sings a 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
Joy, joy for Christ is born
The Babe, the son of Mary




The Babe, the son of Mary
The Babe, the son of Mary

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the children's song "What Child Is This?" depict the scene of baby Jesus lying peacefully in Mary's arms while shepherds watch over him and angels sing sweet anthems. The first verse sets the tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing the mystery of the newborn child and the awe of the angels and shepherds in his presence. The chorus reveals that the child is Christ the King, whom the shepherds guard and the angels sing praises to. The song conveys the joy and significance of Christ's birth, celebrating his arrival as the son of Mary.


The second verse introduces the theme of offering gifts to the child. It references the biblical story of the Magi or Wise Men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor baby Jesus. The song invites both peasants and royalty to come and pay homage to the King of Kings, expressing the universal nature of Christ's salvation. Lastly, the verse encourages loving hearts to enthrone Christ, symbolizing the reverence and love that people should have for him.


Overall, "What Child Is This?" highlights the central figure of Christianity, Jesus Christ, as a baby born to Mary. The lyrics convey the adoration and awe surrounding his birth and emphasize his role as the King of Kings who brings salvation to all.


Line by Line Meaning

What child is this
Who is this child


Who lay to rest
Who is lying peacefully


On Mary's lap is sleeping
Sleeping on Mary's lap


Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Whom angels welcome with beautiful songs


While shepherds watch are keeping
While shepherds are diligently watching


This, this is Christ the King
This, this is Jesus the King


Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Whom shepherds protect and angels praise


Joy, joy for Christ is born
Rejoice, rejoice for Jesus is born


The Babe, the son of Mary
The baby, the child of Mary


So bring him incense, gold and myrrh
Therefore, bring him fragrant spices, gold, and valuable myrrh


Come peasant king to own him
Come humble king to acknowledge him


The King of Kings salvation brings
The savior who brings salvation to all kings


Let loving hearts enthrone him
Allow loving hearts to crown him


Raise, raise to the song on high
Sing, sing loudly and joyfully


The virgin sings a lullaby
The young woman sings a soothing song


The Babe, the son of Mary
The baby, the child of Mary


The Babe, the son of Mary
The baby, the child of Mary


The Babe, the son of Mary
The baby, the child of Mary




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Tim Mather, TRAD TRAD, TRAD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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