Today on Christmas Eve, I wish you a Merry Christmas!
While it is almost certain that Jesus was not born on December 25, this is the day of the year when much of the world is thinking about the events surrounding the coming of the Savior of the world. I take only a moment of your time today as we prayerfully delight in God’s eternal plan to send his Son for the salvation of the world. Few Christmas carols reference the redemptive aspect of Jesus’ coming, but today’s hymn is rich in theology and has several references to what Jesus accomplished in his coming.
May you know the peace of God that is possible only through the reconciliation accomplished in Christ’s death on the cross, reconciliation which restores friendship with God and removes sin. Newness is possible because participation in the death of Christ makes possible the crucifixion of the old nature and the raising up of a new nature as we participate in his resurrection. (Read Romans 6 for Paul’s description of the process that allows us to contact the saving blood of Christ, escaping the past and being born into a new life reality which determines our future.)
The hymn below is well known, based on the Nativity narrative of Luke 2. Written by Charles Wesley, it was originally titled “Christmas Hymn.”
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 angelic host 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 the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate deity,
Pleased, as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel,
Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king”
Hail the heaven born prince of peace, Hail the son 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 newborn king.”