Songs for our Savior: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Hebrews 1:5-6
For to which of the angels did He ever say,
“You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”?
And again,
“I will be a Father to Him And He shall be a Son to Me”?
And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says,
“And let all the angels of God worship Him.”
Lyrics
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 triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!" Christ by highest heav'n adored Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a Virgin's womb Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!" Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings Ris'n 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 newborn King!"
Charles Wesley’s hymn (written in 1739) offers us a good survey of theology. It mentions many of the names and titles of Christ: King, Lord, Prince of Peace, Sun of Righteousness, Everlasting Lord, Desire of Nations, Incarnate Deity, and Emmanuel. After the first stanza’s call to praise “the new-born King,” the following stanzas celebrate the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the resurrection of the body, and the truth of the new birth. Two phrases in particular deserve comment: “Mild he lays his glory by” refers to Christ’s willingness to lay aside the glory of heaven to take on human nature and become one of us. “Late in time behold him come” reminds us of Hebrews 1:2 where we are told “in these last days” God has spoken to us through his Son. (Godtube.com/Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1m--UmRngY
God, today we choose to "Hark", to listen to your voice, to be still and know that you are with us. We hear your promise of "peace on earth", and pray for people and places where there is war, anger and broken lives. We hear about the "Incarnate Deity", that you are pleased to dwell with us in flesh and blood. May we know you as Emmanuel, God with us, and may we share your presence with those around us.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
