What Child Is This
Voices of Christmas 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,
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 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!
In "What Child Is This," the lyrics describe the birth of Jesus Christ and the events that followed. The first verse highlights the peaceful setting of Mary cradling her sleeping child. Angels visit to sing to the infant and nearby shepherds watch over their flock. In the chorus, the focus shifts to the significance of the child as the King that shepherds protect and angels adore. The song highlights the importance of this child as the Son of Mary.
In the second verse, the song's perspective changes as the lyrics encourage the listener to offer gifts to the newborn. Incense, gold, and myrrh are traditionally brought to kings, symbolizing the value of Jesus' birth. The chorus returns with the same focus, prompting haste in bringing praise and acknowledgement to Christ as the Babe, the Son of Mary. The final verse concludes with a call to celebrate the birth of Jesus with joy and reverence, with Mary singing a lullaby to her child.
Overall, this song beautifully captures the wonder and adoration of the birth of Jesus, with an emphasis on his significance as a King and Savior.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest
Who is this child that is laid to rest?
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Who is sleeping on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
Who is greeted by angels with sweet anthems?
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Who are keeping watch while the angels sing?
This, this is Christ the King,
This child is Christ, the King.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
He is guarded by shepherds and praised by angels.
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
Quickly, come and praise Him.
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Mary's son, the baby.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Bring Him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come peasant king to own Him,
Come to own Him, even if you are a peasant.
The King of kings, salvation brings,
He is the King of kings and brings salvation.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Enthrone Him with loving hearts.
Raise, raise the song on high,
Sing the song loudly and joyfully.
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Mary sings a lullaby to her baby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
We should be joyful because Christ is born.
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
He is Mary's baby, her son.
This, this is Christ the King,
This child is Christ, the King.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
He is guarded by shepherds and praised by angels.
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
Quickly, come and praise Him.
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Mary's son, the baby.
Contributed by Miles V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.