Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#40

40. 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?
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 lamb are feeding?
Good Christians, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spears, shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

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.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Text Information

• First Line: What child is this, who, laid to rest
• Title: What Child Is This?
• Author: William Chatterdon Dix (1868)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.8.6.7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-12
• Topic: Epiphany
• Notes: Text by William Chatterdon Dix, from Christmas Carols New and Old, First Series (1868).

Tune Information

• Name: GREENSLEEVES
• Arranger: John Stainer (1868)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.8.6.7
• Incipit: 13456 5427
• Key: G Major or modal
• Notes: English folk tune GREENSLEEVES, 16th cen., arr. by organist-composer John Stainer, from Christmas Carols New and Old, First Series (1868).