What Child Is This?
The Philadelphia Orchestra And Chorus Lyrics

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What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

[Chorus]
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 Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

[Chorus]

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song "What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol that is often sung during the holiday season. The lyrics describe the scene of a newborn baby, Jesus Christ, who is sleeping on Mary's lap while shepherds watch over him and angels sing sweet anthems to greet him. The chorus urges listeners to bring Him laud, or praise, for He is the King of Kings and the son of Mary.

The second verse of the song asks the question of why Jesus Christ would be lying in such a "mean estate" or humble surroundings, with oxen and donkeys feeding nearby. The song suggests that the reason for this was to plead silently for the sins of mankind, reminding the listener that Jesus was born to save all people.

The final verses of the song urge all listeners, regardless of their social status, to pay homage to the newborn King of Kings by bringing him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh. The song encourages all loving hearts to enthrone Him, affirming that His salvation would bring kings and peasants alike to own Him.

Line by Line Meaning

What Child is this who, laid to rest
Who is this Child that is lying down

On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Sleeping on the lap of Mary?

Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
The child that is welcomed by the pleasing voices of Angels

While shepherds watch are keeping?
While the Shepherds are on watch?

[Chorus] This, this is Christ the King,
This is none other than Jesus Christ the King

Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Whom the Shepherds protect and the Angels celebrate

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
Quickly, quickly give Him praise

The Babe, the Son of Mary.
The Child, who is the Son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Why does He lay in a humble dwelling

Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where the oxen and donkeys also feed?

Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
Oh Christian, fear, because sinners are here