I Am Roman Catholic
This is my favorite Christmas Carol,sung to the melody "Greensleeves". However, it usually sung in a "sanitized" form which reflects how our culture has watered down Christmas into something suitable for mass consumption. The original version of the song has three separate refrains. Like the Gospels, the hymn connects Christmas with the crucifixion:
What child is this, who lays to rest
On Mary's lap now 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 here in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian 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 the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! Joy! for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
What child is this, who lays to rest
On Mary's lap now 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 here in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian 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 the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! Joy! for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
