What Child Is This?

This arrangement by composer Garrett Breeze is written from the perspective of the 3 Wise Men wandering through the desert in search of the baby Messiah. A modern take on the popular hymn tune “Greensleeves,” this colorful reharmonization switches from minor to major as the Wise Men reach their destination.

Difficulty: Medium

Accompaniment: Piano

Voicing: SATB

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?  Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?  Come, have no fear God’s Son is here, His love all loves exceeding.

This!  This is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him praise, the Babe the son of Mary.  Alleluia!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, peasant, king to own Him.  The King of Kings salvation brings.  Let lowing hearts enfold Him.  Enfold Him!

Raise!  Raise the song on high the virgin sings her lullaby.  Joy!  Joy for Christ is born, the Babe, the son of Mary.