I led worship at Nelson today and we sang What Child Is This?
William Chatterton Dix’s lyrics are simple and meaningful. The fact that the tune GREENSLEAVES makes me crave for a soft-serve Mr Whippy ice-cream doesn’t hurt, either.
The lyrics:
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?
Chorus:
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.
[Chorus]
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.
[Chorus]
Of the nineteen or so versions of this in my iTunes library the version by The Priests has been played as many as any other.
mgpcpastor's blog 