This has always been a favorite Christmas carol of mine. Did you know that there are actually three full verses, not three verses with a refrain the way most hymnals write it? I love the real version, especially the the foreshadowing of the Passion in the middle verse.
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 Christians, 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.
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 a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
William C. Dix, 1865
1 comment:
Ah yes, that's a neat Christmas carol. Just the other night, we pulled out a video of the Christmas program at the EV church years ago and Erin had played that song on her harp.. ;) It also was so amazing how much younger everyone looked too! :D
I'd have to say my favorite Christmas carol is, "Oh Holy Night." :)
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