One of my favorite hymns around this time of year is ‘What Child Is This?’ It is beautiful, joyful, melancholy. I’ve include three different versions:
The great, Mahalia Jackson
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULzXJ6PAnco
Charlotte Church
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T6isuiF-x0&NR=1
Sarah McLachlan
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLl2Jg936g4&feature=fvw
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?
- This, this is Christ the king,
- Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;1
- Haste, haste to bring Him laud,2
- The babe, the son of Mary!
2. Why lies He in such mean estate
- Where ox and ass are feeding?
- Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
- The silent Word is pleading.3
- Nails, spear shall pierce him through,4
- The cross be borne for me, for you;5
- Hail, hail the Word made flesh,6
- The babe, the son of Mary!
3. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
- Come, peasant, king, to own Him.7
- The King of kings salvation brings;
- Let loving hearts enthrone Him.8
- Raise, raise the song on high,4
- The virgin sings her lullaby;9
- Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
- The babe, the son of Mary!