MercyMe - What Child Is This? Lyrics
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!
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!
Video
What Child Is This - Mercy Me
Meaning & Inspiration
On December 25, 2008, MercyMe released their interpretation of the venerable carol "What Child Is This?", inviting listeners to pause and ponder the profound mystery at the heart of the Christmas story. This timeless hymn, originally penned by William Chatterton Dix in 1865 to the tune of "Greensleeves," poses a question that transcends centuries, challenging us to look beyond the manger scene to the divine identity of the infant Jesus. MercyMe's rendition, stripped down to emphasize the lyrical weight, serves as a powerful call to contemplate the Incarnation with fresh eyes and a worshipful spirit.
The song’s inquiry begins by observing the "Child... laid to rest On Mary's lap, is sleeping?" This opening paints a picture of serene vulnerability, emphasizing the very human beginning of Jesus. The imagery immediately draws our minds to the humble circumstances of His birth, as described in Luke 2:7, "she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." Yet, this seemingly ordinary scene is immediately juxtaposed with divine recognition: "Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?" Here, the song highlights the heavenly celebration and the unexpected witnesses chosen to receive the glorious news. Luke 2:9-14 vividly recounts the angelic announcement to the shepherds, where "a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'" This profound contrast—humble birth and divine acclaim—sets the stage for the definitive answer that follows. The song's first stanza culminates in the triumphant declaration: "This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary!" This is no mere child, but "Christ the King," a truth echoed throughout Scripture, from the prophetic words of Isaiah 9:6 foretelling a "Prince of Peace" whose "government will grow continually" to Revelation 19:16 proclaiming Him as "King of kings and Lord of lords." The invitation to "bring him laud" is a direct call to worship, urging an immediate and heartfelt response to the revelation of His royal identity, a King both divine and human, the "Son of Mary" yet also the Son of God (Matthew 1:23).
The second stanza expands on this theme of worship and identity, urging a response from all: "So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasant king to own Him." This directly references the gifts of the Magi in Matthew 2:11, gifts that were not arbitrary but deeply symbolic: gold for royalty, frankincense for divinity and priesthood, and myrrh for His eventual sacrifice and burial. The poetic phrase "peasant king" beautifully captures the paradox of Jesus' humble entry into the world as the sovereign ruler, calling individuals from every walk of life—from the simple peasant to the powerful monarch—to acknowledge His lordship. The song clarifies His ultimate purpose: "The King of kings, salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him." This reaffirms His supreme authority, a truth consistently taught in passages like Revelation 17:14 and 1 Timothy 6:15. More crucially, it underscores His mission: to bring salvation, a central tenet of the Christian faith clearly stated in Matthew 1:21, where the angel tells Joseph that Mary "will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." The call to "enthrone Him" within "loving hearts" is a profoundly personal invitation, asking for more than outward homage; it requires a spiritual surrender and dedication, allowing Jesus to reign supreme in one's life. The concluding lines, "Raise, raise the song on high, The Virgin sings her lullaby: Joy, joy, for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary!" serve as a joyous affirmation, transforming the initial question into an exultant declaration. Mary's lullaby represents the intimate, tender love surrounding the Incarnation, a love that brought "good news of great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10) into the world.
MercyMe's thoughtful rendition of "What Child Is This?" thus serves as a powerful meditation, guiding the listener through a journey of revelation. It compels us to move beyond a sentimental view of the Nativity, prompting a deeper encounter with the God-man, Jesus Christ. This song, through its profound lyrics, challenges us to consider His multifaceted identity: the vulnerable infant, the divinely recognized King, the Savior of humanity. It ultimately calls for a personal response of worship, surrender, and joy, inviting us to enthrone this King of Kings in our own lives, not just during a holiday season but every day, acknowledging the world-changing truth that Christ is born, the Son of Mary, who brings salvation to all who believe.