Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
734Resource Type:
Keys included:
Em
About this Hymn
This is one of the great haunting English folk melodies, GREENSLEEVES. I love thinking about this carol as a conversation about faith, starting with the question "What child is this?" Perhaps as you encounter the Christmas story this year, we encourage you to ask questions and perhaps follow with more questions to understand the one who claims to be the babe, the Son of Mary. – Keith Getty
Lyrics
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!
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!
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: William C. Dix, 1868
Music: English melody, 16th c.; harm. John Stainer, 1868
Music: English melody, 16th c.; harm. John Stainer, 1868