Rejoice in the Lord ‎#217

217. 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 (1871)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-11
• Topic: Biblical Characters: Mary

Tune Information

• Name: GREENSLEEVES
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 with refrain
• Key: e minor
• Source: English melody, c. 16th century