This is day 12 of “The 12 Days Leading to Christmas.” Each day I am highlighting a Christmas hymn that is worth our listening to as Christians this Christmas season. You can read more about the goal of the series here.
Today I highlight for you “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” written by Charles Wesley…sort of. I say this because the first line and the most memorable line was not actually written by him. George Whitfield, the famous 18th century British Evangelist, changed Wesley’s first line. Wesley originally wrote “Hark, how all the welkin rings.” “Welkin” is an old word that means “heaven” or “sky.” Whitfield did his friend Wesley a favor! I don’t think we would be singing this if the line had stayed original!
This poem is packed full of rich theology. I could spend time unpacking nearly every line but verse 2 contains some of the best poetry ever concerning God taking on human flesh – “veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity, pleased with us as flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel.”
Let this hymn teach you and bring joy to your heart this Christmas morning.
Here are the 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 th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn 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 th’incarnate Deity,
pleased with us as flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel. [Refrain]
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 we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth. [Refrain]
Have a listen:
Acoustic Guitar
Choral