Chalice Hymnal ‎#162

162. What Child Is This

1 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?

Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
haste, haste to bring him laud
the babe, the son of Mary.

2 Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading: [Refrain]

3 So bring him incense, gold and myrrh,
come, rich and poor, to own him,
the King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone him. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: What Child is this who laid to rest
• Title: What Child Is This
• Author: William C. Dix (c. 1865)
• Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
• Meter: 87.87 w. refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Topic: God Known in Jesus Christ: Birth; Christian Year: Christmas; Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ: Birth

Tune Information

• Name: GREENSLEEVES
• Meter: 87.87 w. refrain
• Key: e minor
• Source: English melody (16th century)