Hymn of the Day–“What Child is This”

This hymn, particularly the third verse, is a great transition between Christmas and Epiphany. The first two verses show us the newborn Babe in the manger, being heralded by the angels and visited by the shepherds. The final verse, however, makes mention of the Wise Men and their gifts as well.

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! Lutheran Service Book #370

Lest We Forget

Let us never lose sight of Whose birthday we are celebrating, or why He came!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinner 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!

“What Child is This?” verse 2–Lutheran Service Book #370