Moravian Book of Worship ‎#305

305. 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 ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the king,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
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.
This, this is Christ the king,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
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 Chatterton Dix, 1837-1898
• Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
• Meter: 8.7.8.7. with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-12
  ;
  Luke 2:6-20
  ;
  John 1:14-17
• Topic: Christmas; Christian year--Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: GREENSLEEVES
• Meter: 8.7.8.7. with Refrain
• Key: e minor
• Source: English melody