The United Methodist Hymnal

219

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 Christians, 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, 1865
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 Luke 2:6-20
Theme: Christ's Gracious Life: Birth and Baptism; Christ's Gracious Life: Birth and Baptism; Christian Year: Christmas; Christian Year: Christmas; Christian Year: Epiphany; Christian Year: Epiphany; Jesus Christ; Salvation