The Celebration Hymnal

281

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 Christian, 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]

WORDS: William C. Dix
Theme: Christ: Birth