What Child Is This performed by Jen Williams
Channel: Open Table Network
Date: 2020-12-22

'What Child Is This?' is a Christmas carol whose lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865, to the tune of 'Greensleeves', a traditional English folk song.
This arrangement is sung by Jen Williams, from Open Table Sefton, for the Open Table Network online carol service on Sunday 20th December 2020. You can watch the full service here: https://youtu.be/7X3tMnoYOpM

Lyrics:

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 the song on high,
the Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
the babe, the Son of Mary!