Hymns

What Child Is This

Words: William C. Dix · Music: John Stainer · 1868

Verse 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.

Verse 2
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and lamb 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.

Verse 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.
Raise, raise the song on high.
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
the Babe, the son of Mary!

Words: William C. Dix, 1868 | Music: English melody, 16th c.; harm. John Stainer, 1868

Matthew 2; Luke 1; Luke 2; John 1; John 19; Colossians 2; Revelation 5; Revelation 19

Christmas · Jesus, Birth of · Jesus, Humanity of