You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

Click here to donate to Hymnary.org I have already donated. Please don't show this to me again
Text:What Child Is This?
Author:William Chatterton Dix
Tune:GREENSLEEVES

94. What Child Is This?

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.

2 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]

Text Information
First Line: What child is this, who, laid to rest
Title: What Child Is This?
Author: William Chatterton Dix
Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
Publication Date: 1996
Scripture: ;
Topic: Angels; Christmas; Epiphany (6 more...)
Source: The Manger Throne, 1865
Tune Information
Name: GREENSLEEVES
Key: e minor
Source: 16th century English melody



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.