What Child Is This - Traditional

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!

Why lies He in such mean 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!

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!

What Child Is This lyrics focus on the paradox of the King of Kings being laid in a lowly manger while being guarded by shepherds and angels. The song What Child Is This emphasizes the redemptive purpose of the Incarnation asking why He lies in such a mean estate. It provides a contemplative and slightly haunting atmosphere that invites the listener to move beyond the surface of the Nativity scene to the deeper reality of the Saviors mission. By singing the What Child Is This lyrics believers are encouraged to bring Him incense gold and myrrh and to enthrone the King of Kings within their own hearts and lives today.