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: ; ;
Topic: Christmas; Christian year--Christmas
Tune Information
Name: GREENSLEEVES
Meter: 8.7.8.7. with Refrain
Key: e minor
Source: English melody



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