Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The herald angels sing

“Glory to the new-born king

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled”

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With angelic host proclaim

“Christ is born in Bethlehem”

Hark! The herald angels sing

“Glory to the new-born king”

I love this Christmas song. It is an English Christmas Carol originally written in 1739 by Charles Wesley and George Whitfield, based upon the scripture from Luke 2:14. The lyrics are full of powerful praise and exclamation, communicating the divine miracle that had transpired. “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” The savior of the world had been born to us. Meekly, humbly. Yet, with an enormous declaration from heavenly hosts in the most profound way! 

Christmastime is full of so much wonder. It is a time of reflecting upon the greatest miracle that ever was. Jesus, the son of God, born of a virgin, sent to save the world from sin. What a glorious event!

Often I try to imaging what it was like for those who were there to witness this majestic moment in person. What was it like for Mary? For Joseph? For Jesus?

I also ponder over thoughts of what it was like for the shepherds out tending their sheep. There they were in darkness, solitude and silence…with nothing but the bleating of sheep and the rustle of grass. Then BAM! An Angel appeared! Then BAM, again! A company of angels with a message like no one had ever heard before! How astonishing. Wow! 

The Christmas story is one of my absolute favorite scriptures to read. Let’s read it together now. 

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.  – Luke 2:4-20

This true account of the very first Christmas is full of omnipotent power, perfect love, overwhelming grace and unimaginable generosity. Jesus came down. Fully God. Fully human. He laid everything aside and became the sacrifice for our sin so that, if we believed, we could be with Him forever in heaven.

The song continues, 

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Risen with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man 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 new-born king”

Hark! The herald angels sing

“Glory to the new-born king”

Christmas is about this! The celebration of Christ’s birth. It is simple…and yet so powerful. However, often times we can so easily overcomplicate it. For many of us, the season’s celebrations may become busy and full of distractions. For some others, you may not feel much like celebrating at all. Our December days might be filled with wonderful joy, great gifts, endless parties and sentimental traditions. Or, we might find ourselves drowning in deep sadness, tremendous grief, painful loss or stiffeling debt. You may be overwhelmed with surrounding family or completely and utterly alone.

Whatever unique situation you find yourself in this Christmas, remember the season is worth celebrating. Remember the reason we are celebrating. Jesus. He came for you. He came for me. His love and salvation are the greatest gifts we could ever receive. 

Your Christmas celebration can be as simple or extreme as you prefer it to be, but Jesus is worth the celebration. Let’s guard against the chaos and keep the true reason tucked deeply within our hearts. He is all we will ever need. Take the time to sit in His presence and allow Him to be the best present you have ever received. Ask Him to live in your heart and be your God (John 3:3). He is The Peace we need so desperately. He is the reconciliation of us to the Father. And there is so much joy in that truth! 

The song concludes…

Hark! The herald angels sing

“Glory to the new-born king

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled”

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With angelic host proclaim

“Christ is born in Bethlehem”

Hark! The herald angels sing

“Glory to the new-born king”

“Glory to the new-born king”

My voice will join with the angels this Christmas as I give glory to Jesus and all He has done.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Be blessed, friends! 

~ Stephanie