What Child Is This

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!