As we approach Christmas once again, the hymn, "What Child is This", helps us focus the central question.  The first verse and refrain say:

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,

Who shepherds guard, and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud, 

The Babe, the son of Mary.

The writer, William Dix, was born in England to an Anglican layman.  He later moved to Glasgow, Scotland, where he became a successful insurance salesman.  At the age of 29, he became very sick, and was confined to bed.  During this time, he was depressed, and God met him in a special way.  He went on to write a number of hymns, including another Christmas hymn, "As with Gladness, Men of Old."

Verse two of the hymn asks another question:

Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding.

Good Christian, fear, for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

"Mean estate" here means low in station, rank, or dignity.  Yet from this position, for sinners, "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.

In response, verse three calls for both rich and poor to honor Him.

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 a song on high

The virgin sings her lullaby

Joy, joy for Christ is born

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

The beautiful melody is an English folk song that can be traced back to the 1500's.