Common Praise (1998) ‎#137

137. 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 Christians, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading. [Refrain]

3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, 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 Chatterton Dix (1837-1898)
• Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
• Meter: 87 87 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1998
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-12
  ;
  Luke 2:1-20
  ;
  Hebrews 1:1-12
  ;
  Revelation 19:11-16
• Topic: Christmas; Epiphany

Tune Information

• Name: GREENSLEEVES
• Meter: 87 87 with refrain
• Key: e minor
• Source: English trad.; arr. Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871, alt.