Kris Shaffer
What Child Is This?
© 2009 Kris Shaffer
text by William C. Dix (1865)
traditional 16th-century English melody (‘Greensleeves’), harmonized by Kris Shaffer
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 a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
This setting features the complete text (note the last lines of verse 2 and 3) and a more traditional, modal version of the tune with original SATB harmonies and guitar chords to fit the Dorian mode.
Click on the thumbnails below to view or print hymn sheets (PDF)
This song is free for use in congregational worship services.
key of E Dorian, with guitar chords
key of E Dorian, without guitar chords
