Hymn of the Week--Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

As we turn toward Christmas week, I wanted to choose a carol that speaks of the glory of God revealed through the incarnation of his son Jesus. Last night right before dinner I sang through this carol in my head and I think it definitely fills that bill. Join us this week in lauding the glory of God, given to us in the babe born in a manger about which the angels spoke to the shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem. This is the glory that has reconciled us to God and delivered us from his wrath. In deed, Glory to God in the highest!

This is another hymn where later verses are even more rich. This is the third verse.

Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun 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.

I love the line about him laying his glory by, born that man no more may die. That is the Gospel. That is why God came to earth. That is why we celebrate Christmas!

Hymn of the Week
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Words by Charles Wesley
Music by Felix Mendelssohn

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 th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Mahalia Jackson delivers a beautiful and triumphant rendition. I would love to hear her belt this one out with a background choir of angels someday in Heaven. This will definitely be one that we sing around the throne!