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The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 219 · Words: William C. Dix · Tune: GREENSLEEVES
What Child Is This
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A Christmas carol with text by William C. Dix (1865) set to the traditional English melody Greensleeves. The hymn meditates on the identity of the sleeping infant Jesus, drawing on the Nativity narrative to proclaim him Christ the King.
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?
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.
Verse 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
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 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
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard
and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary.
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