"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14)

So many of the old traditional Christmas carols have such richness and truth in the lyrics, many of them explaining in a few short words the Good News of the Gospel. In the lyrics of "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" Charles Wesley profoundly presented the awesome revelation of the Reason for this Season . . . the Son of Righteousness! Take a moment to read through the lyrics:

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 the angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the 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 new-born King!

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!

It is interesting to note that during this season, people sing and speak of "Peace" when, in fact, there is no peace on this earth . . . no cease-fires, no halt to the threats of terrorism, no end to hatred and crime. But, as Wesley wrote, it's the Prince of Peace who came to bring us peace with God, hence the phrase, "God and sinners reconciled".

Mankind (our flesh, to be precise) is essentially at war against God; we are born of corruptible flesh, sinned against Him, broken His commandments, and made ourselves His enemies. That's why the Father sent His Son . . . to reconcile us to Him by paying the penalty for our sin and becoming the Sacrifice Lamb, shedding His pure and perfect blood so we can be made righteous in His righteousness. "We owed a debt we could not pay; He paid a debt He did not owe!"

Read carefully through the lyrics of this song once again and let them speak to you of the most precious Gift ever given mankind—the Godhead veiled in flesh, the Incarnate Deity, Jesus, our Emmanuel. This Christmas as we sing the traditional carols and hymns, let's not forget the words. Let's use the words to open the door to share with those who may not know Christ, the Everlasting Lord. Everywhere you go, proclaim His birth by simply sharing the words to this song. What greater gift could you give anyone?

Father, as I reflect on this song I am so vividly reminded of Who You are and what You have done. Father, there are no words to express my gratitude . . . no expressions of praise adequate. Lord, I commit to You to share Your Good News with people everywhere in song, in word, and in deed. Lord, let my voice join with the angelic choirs proclaiming Who You are and what You have done. I love you, Jesus, my Emmanuel … amen and amen!

"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wing" (Malachi 4:2a)

© Jan Ross
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