An old favorite hymn of mine is called “Who Is He?” by B. R. Hanby. I’ve enjoyed expanding the lyrics:
Who is He in yonder stall,
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
‘Tis the Lord! Oh, wondrous story!
‘Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall—
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!
Who is He who from the womb,
By His Father’s will consumed?
Who is He in Galilee,
In dusty towns, around the sea,
Working in a craftsman’s trade,
Every act pure grace displayed!
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?
Who is He – the sick and lame –
To His feet for mercy came?
From that voice the demons fled,
To those arms were children led!
Who is He who from their work,
Calls fishermen, and then a clerk?
Who is He at Sychar’s well,
Can a woman’s secret tell?
Offers living water, free,
All may come and happy be!
Who is He, in perfect grace,
To save our race, took such a place?
‘Tis the Lord! Oh, wondrous story!
‘Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall—
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!
Who is He upon the sea,
Sails to set a captive free?
Who is He on pillow laid,
As the ship by billows swayed,
Calms the storm, and holds the breeze,
Brings His followers to their knees.
Who is He who breaks the loaves,
With compassion, feeds the droves?
Departs into a hill alone,
While aboard the boat, His own…
Who is He upon the waves,
Reaches out and Peter saves?
Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?
Who is He, that voice of power,
Breaks the hold of death’s dark glower,
Truly God and man in one,
In a servant’s form, the Son!
Who is He, man seeks to kill,
Who always did His Father’s will?
‘Tis the Lord! Oh, wondrous story!
‘Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall—
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!
Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He in Pilate’s hall,
Who for sport, the soldiers maul?
Yet in silence still He stands,
Waiting on Divine commands.
Who is He – their bended knees –
Offered then, in mockery:
Who is He, with crown of thorn,
Robe of red and reed of scorn,
Amid the shame – that rabble sea,
Never saw such dignity!
Who is He upon the tree,
Suffering such deep agony?
Who by darkness overspread,
Takes God’s wrath upon His head?
Who is He in Calvary’s throes,
Asks for blessings on His foes?
Who is He, upon the cross,
Sheds His blood, to save the lost?
‘Tis the Lord! Oh, wondrous story!
‘Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall—
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!
Who is He who from the dead,
Crushed the fiery serpent’s head?
Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal, and bless, and save?
Who can claim that victory? –
He who died upon the tree.
Lo! ascending, who is He
Captive leads captivity?
Who is He, who takes His seat,
In highest honor, Father greets?
Who is He on yonder throne,
Rules the world of light alone?
Who is He, ’twill come again,
Will Himself for us descend?
He will raise the sleeping saints,
Deliver us, from all sin’s taints!
Then for all eternity,
With that One we’ll ever be!
Who is He, who takes His bride,
Marries her, for whom He died?
‘Tis the Lord! Oh, wondrous story!
‘Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall—
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!
Who is He who takes the book,
While all in heaven enraptured look?
Who is He who plants His feet,
On hill and valley, land, and sea,
He is worthy of that place,
Yet He shares it – such His grace!
Who is He, who comes with clouds,
In judgment on the earth so proud?
His humble mule, exchanged indeed,
For a splendid conqueror’s steed?
Who is He, claims victory,
‘Tis the Man of Calvary!
Who is He, with Bride in hand,
Settles down to rule the land?
From that throne, the waters flow,
Heal the earth, and make it grow,
Living waters now abound,
Where before was thirsty ground!
His suffering then with glory meet,
Th’eternal plan is then complete.
Delivered up, the Kingdom too,
God shall then make all things new,
Evil then forever cease,
An eternity of peace.
With that One we’ll ever be,
With Him we’ll spend eternity:
‘Tis the Lord! Oh, wondrous story!
‘Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall—
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!