Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New ‎#729

729. 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;
come, greet the infant Lord,
the babe, the Son of Mary!

2 Why lies he in such low estate,
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear, 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 rich and poor, 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 Chatterton Dix, 1837-1898 (alt.)
• Meter: 87 87 69 67
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 1:3
  ;
  John 1:14
  ;
  John 19:34
  ;
  Luke 2:1-20
  ;
  Matthew 2:1-12
• Topic: Christmas; Epiphany; Years A, B, and C: Christmas 2; Years A, B, and C: Christmas Day

Tune Information

• Name: GREENSLEEVES
• Arranger: John Stainer
• Meter: 87 87 69 67
• Key: e minor
• Source: Traditional English melody