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 thro’
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

 William Chatterton Dix | Public Domain