In the hecticness of Christmas, it is good to slow down and reflect on the true reason for this season, celebrating the birth of our Savior. The birth of Jesus Christ in a manger 2,000 years ago was the most significant event in the history of mankind. It is so easy to get caught up in shopping, baking, decorating, and the many other activities that go into our Christmas celebrations. One of the ways I focus my attention on Christ is to sing Christmas hymns as I go about my holiday chores. The traditional hymns reflect on the wonder of Christ’s virgin birth and it’s significance to mankind.
Today, I’ve been singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” most of the day. This beautiful hymn summarizes the entirety of Christ’s mission as “God and sinners reconciled.” Jesus birth, life, death, and resurrection were God’s plan to allow us a means to find forgiveness and be reconciled to him. Without Christ leaving His heavenly home and coming to Earth to live among us, we would be without hope. But, Jesus did come and offers to us atonement and eternal life if we only accept His free gift. And that is truly a gift to celebrate.
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Lyrics 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 the angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem,” 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 a virgin’s womb, Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity! Please as man with ment to appear, Jesus our Immanuel here. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn 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 the 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! Come, Desire of nations, come! Fix in us They humble home; Rise, the woman’s conquering seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head; Adam’s likeness now efface, Stamp Thine image in its place; Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in They love. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!
Susan's Reflections 