Sunday, December 24
Read: Luke 2:10-14; Isa. 9:6-7; Mal. 4:1-4
Charles Wesley writes that he composed hymns so “that men and women might sing their way, not only into experience, but also into knowledge; that the cultured might have their culture baptized and the ignorant might be led into truth by the gentle hand of melody and rhyme.”
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is one of the four most popular hymns in the English language, and it teaches us about God through poetry. The first verse teaches us that Jesus was born so that we could have a relationship with God again – or be reconciled – even though we sinned against Him. Verse 2 teaches that Jesus is God with us – Emmanuel. He is God in human flesh and bones. In verse 3, we also sing about the titles of Jesus – “Prince of Peace” from Isaiah, “Son of Righteousness” from Malachi.
Jesus came to earth to heal us from our sins. He laid aside his glory to be born a man so that men would not die anymore. Wesley encouraged people to sing this hymn heartily with good courage and see that the heart is offered to God continually.
Consider: What Christmas carol expresses your Song for the Savior? How has God shown you his greatness and his glory this Christmas? Rejoice in him today as you prepare to celebrate his birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumphs of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”
Christ by highest heaven adored; Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, Off-spring of the virgin’s womb:
Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”
Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that men no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”
I Commend Joy! 