what child is this? / the holly and the ivy

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 sing her lullaby: joy

joy

for christ is born

the babe

the son of mary. oh

the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

the playing of the merry organ

sweet singing in the choir. the holly bears a blossom as white as lily flower

and mary bore sweet jesus christ to be our sweet savior

the holly bears a berry as red as any blood

and mary bore sweet jesus christ to do poor sinners good. the holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn

and mary bore sweet jesus christ on christmas day in the morn. the holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall

and mary bore sweet jesus christ for to redeem us all.