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 praise

the babe, the son of mary



he lies in such a lowly place

where ox and ass are feeding

the end of fear for all who hear

the silent word is speaking



this, this is christ the king

whom shepherds guard and angels sing

haste, haste to bring him praise

the babe, the son of mary



so bring him incense,

gold and myrrh,

come peasant king to love him;

the king of kings salvation brings,

let loving hearts enthrone him.



this, this is christ the king

whom shepherds guard and angels sing

haste, haste to bring him praise

the babe, the son of mary



raise, raise the song on high,

the virgin sings her lullaby:

joy, joy for christ is born,

the babe, the son of mary.