What Child is This?

William Chatterton Dix was working as an insurance manager. In 1865, he was sickened by an unexpected and severe illness, causing him to be bedridden and suffering from terrible depression. Dix's near death experience "brought about a spiritual renewal"* in him (I'm assuming, that, from what it sounds like, he was born again over that time) while he was recovering. Over this period of time, he read his Bible extensively and was inspired to pen other hymns like Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! and As With Gladness Men of Old. It's not known exactly when he wrote "The Manger Throne."

The poem was eventually set to the tune of "Greensleeves," a traditional English folk song. Although it was written in England, it has become much more popular in the United States.

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 Christians, 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.

*All of my information is from Wikipedia. I don't remember if I mentioned it before. :)