"Joy, Joy For Christ Is Born"
Posted by Arwen Mosher in Faith on Monday, December 28, 2009 4:23 PM
Now that Advent is over and it’s Christmas, I’m cranking the Christmas carols.
“What Child Is This?” has always been one of my favorites, and I was proud to know all three verses… until a few years ago, when I discovered that what I had learned as the chorus of the song is actually the second half of the first verse. The second and third verses have their own unique conclusions, ones that aren’t found in most hymnals.
In case you were also unaware of this, here’s the full version of the song. I find it incredibly beautiful.
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 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!
-William Chatterton Dix
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