What Child Is This?

A fresh arrangement of a classic Christmas carol for choir and orchestra.

Choir and Orchestra | Grade 3 | 5:00

Performance materials coming soon!

For the 2022 Community Choir and Orchestra Christmas Cantata
NDSCS Cultural Center, Bremer Bank Theater, Wahpeton, ND
Kent Loken, Director

About the piece

The premiere was on December 10, 2022. The performance also included At the Feet of Jesus, in addition to others.

Words by William Chatterton Dix, set to ‘Greensleeves’
Arranged by Paul Cravens

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!

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and lamb 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 a song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe the Son of Mary!