Who Is This So Weak & Helpless? is one of my favorite hymns although it is not very well known. The first part of each verse focuses in on some aspect of Christ’s humanity and the limitations and weaknesses he had because of it. The second part of each verse then brings attention to the glorious truth that, the weak one who suffers and dies is no one else than the Almighty God. As Christmas day nears, may this song be a blessing to you as you yourself ask and meditate upon the question, “Who is this?”
Who is this, so weak and helpless,
Child of lowly Hebrew maid,
Rudely in a stable sheltered,
Coldly in a manger laid?
Tis the Lord of all creation,
Who this wondrous path has trod;
He is Lord from everlasting,
And to everlasting God.
Who is this, a Man of Sorrows,
Walking sadly lifes hard way,
Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping
Over sin and Satans sway?
Tis our God, our glorious Savior,
Who above the starry sky
Is for us a place preparing,
Where no tear can dim the eye.
Who is this? Behold him shedding
Drops of blood upon the ground!
Who is this, despised, rejected,
Mocked, insulted, beaten, bound?
Tis our God, Who gifts and graces
On His church is pouring down;
Who shall smite in holy vengeance
All His foes beneath His throne.
Who is this that hangs there dying
While the rude world scoffs and scorns,
Numbered with the malefactors,
Torn with nails, and crowned with thorns?
Tis our God Who lives forever
Mid the shining ones on high,
In the glorious golden city,
Reigning everlastingly.
A Pilgrim's Friend 