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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?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
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

Vocabulary

greet : welcome; salute
anthems : songs
laud : praise
babe : baby
incense, gold and myrrh : the three presents of the wise men
salvation : deliverance, redemption
enthrone : crown; make king
lullaby : song sung to a child to make it sleep

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