Hark the Herald Angels Sing...Now That's Something.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." I had no idea who wrote the song, but I knew it had to have been someone who really loved Jesus and totally understood the reverence of Christmas.

 I think it wonderful that this song is taken from the perspective of the angels. We've seen so many cartoons and movies made that cover Christmas from the view of: Mary and Joseph, a lamb, a donkey, a drummer boy, etc. but from the perspective of the angels- now that's something. The angels knew Jesus. They were in heaven with Jesus. They knew not only who He was, but  that He was coming and why He was coming.

Well, I won't hold you in suspense any longer, although, I will add I hope to raise Godly children like Mr. and  Mrs. Wesley one day. The writer was the brother of John Wesley-Charles Wesley. I thought that was pretty neat. Charles wrote the song and William H. Cummings worked on the music written by Mendelssohn to fit to the song hark the herald angels sing. 

I've sung this song so many times and have never really looked at the meaning of the song-sure it's a Christmas song, but what is Charles Wesley proclaiming? When I simply read over the words the song no longer felt like a song, but rather a declaration or a statement of what I believe.

The song begins with "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" hark- means to pay close attention to or listen- and herald means an official crier or messenger, one that precedes or foreshadows: one that conveys news or proclaims : announcer  : one who actively promotes or advocates.--isn't that amazing! he starts the song with the angels telling us to,  'pay close attention because we are official messengers announcing news.' and the news follows: the KING has been born! Glory means: worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving. Praise God for what He has done- He has come to earth!

Now why praise God for coming to earth? Well, he tells you in the next several lines:
'Peace on earth' has come for the Prince of Peace is here!
'God and sinners reconciled' - because of Jesus' sacrifice of coming to earth and dying on the cross we can be in relationship with the God of heaven!-
I love the next lines:
'joyful all ye nations rise- Jesus came for ALL nations-every tribe, every nation! so rejoice!
'join the triumph of the skies-with the angelic host proclaim'  join with the angels singing!
why?
'Christ is born in Bethlehem'!

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      -Jesus came from heaven -(don't forget that).
Christ the everlasting Lord!             -Jesus is the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come         - Jesus is NEVER late-He born late in the night
Offspring of a Virgin's womb          -He was born of a virgin-a miracle-faith
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see      -He was born flesh-to be among us
Hail the incarnate Deity                   -the world will tell you different-but God was flesh
Pleased as man with man to dwell-    and happy to do so
Jesus, our Emmanuel                        -Jesus IS our 'God with us"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"


Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!    -Praise the Prince of heaven for coming to earth
Hail the Son of Righteousness!            - Praise the ONE that is 'free from guilt or sin'
Light and life to all He brings                - He brings life to ALL of us
Ris'n with healing in His wings             -HE brings healing to us all
Mild He lays His glory by                     - He laid His kingdom down to come to earth (WOW!)
Born that man no more may die             -His purpose in coming-to die for us
Born to raise the sons of earth              -He is born to raise us up with Him
Born to give them second birth             -He is born to give us a second birth in Him
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

i cannot imagine ever being able to write a song like that! all of that is in my heart, but to get in down in words like that-amazing.

in the few days left until Christmas -take some time to sing this song and so many others that proclaim what Christmas is really all about. proclaim it like the angels did that precious night of our Savior's birth. proclaim like a declaration of what you believe. God has come to earth for US!
 He loves us.
He loves you.
Merry Christmas!