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?

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!

Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleasing.

Chorus

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

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This hymn is a favorite carol of mine.  I love the focus that is on the baby Jesus, and while I know many songs have such a focus, I enjoy this one in particular.   It asks the question that must have been in the minds of the Shepherds and Wise Men, and Mary as well.  It is amazing to think of a little baby born in a manger growing up to be the savior of the world, and I'm sure there must have been many wonders in the minds of those who met him and were told of his birth.  But this song also gives the answer to the question of what child it was born in that manger.  It was indeed Christ the Savior who was born that night and who's birth we celebrate on Christmas all these years later.