What Child Is This?
The London Fox Children's Choir 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 song "What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol that speaks of the birth of Jesus Christ. The opening lines of the song depict the sleeping Christ child lying in Mary's lap while being greeted by angels with sweet anthems. The song reinforces the idea of Christ's divinity and the joyous occasion of his birth, as the shepherds keep watch.

The lyrics then shift to declare that Christ is the King, and that the shepherds guard him while angels sing his praises. The third stanza references the Wise Men, who are often depicted in Christian artwork bringing gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh to the newborn King. The song then ends with a call to raise a song of joy for Christ's birth, with Mary singing a lullaby to her son.

Overall, "What Child Is This?" is a traditional Christmas song that emphasizes the meaning and importance of Christ's birth. It highlights the joy and wonder of the season, as well as the reverence and adoration that followers have for the Christ child.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this
Who is this child that we see

Who lay to rest
Who is resting quietly

On Mary's lap is sleeping
Asleep on the lap of Mary

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Angels sing songs to greet this child

While shepherds watch are keeping
The shepherds are keeping a close eye

This, this is Christ the King
The baby we see is the King, the Christ

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Shepherds protect and angels sing songs for him

Joy, joy for Christ is born
There is happiness because Christ has been born

The Babe, the son of Mary
This child is the son of Mary

So bring him incense, gold and myrrh
As a gift, bring him incense, gold, and myrrh

Come peasant king to own him
Even a poor king can come to worship him