What child is this, additional verses

What child is this, on temple ground, in mother’s arms appearing

Amidst the faithful, crowding throng, both humble and God-fearing?

This, this is Christ the King, whose birth first saw the angels sing; 

See, see the law fulfilled for this, the son of Mary!

 

Why does this man, long-waiting here, now hail this child with wonder?

Why sing of promises fulfilled, but also torn asunder?

“Woe, woe shall come to you – a sword shall pierce your own soul, too!”

All, all o’er one small babe, o’er this, the son of Mary!

 

Now sings this woman, faithful sage, to all within her hearing, 

How this child brings redemption; how the rule of God is nearing.

Hope, hope has now drawn near in spite of hardship, hate, and fear; 

Joy, joy, for Christ has come in this, the son of Mary!

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, December 2020, after Luke 2:22-40 (Christmas 1B)

MUSIC: English ballad, 16^th cent.; arr. Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871

 

 

Three verses appropriate for the account in Luke 2:22-40, for the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, featured in the RCL on the Sunday after Christmas, year B.