It's the fourth Sunday of Advent and the waiting is almost over. All four candles of Advent are lit. We wait to light the Christ candle on Christmas Eve to proclaim his birth! I have been rigorous during the Advent hymn study to stay with Advent themes and songs. But this evening, for the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, I let up a bit on being the Advent police and allowed the group the chance to examine a Christmas carol. I chose "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it was written by Charles Wesley and I lead the study at a United Methodist Church. Somehow, I find it a little hard to ignore one of the most popular Christmas hymns in Christendom that is penned by the brother of the guy who helped gather "the people who are called Methodist". Second good reason for the selection is the fact that there is some great theology in the carol. Thirdly, I like the fact that the 'herald angels' are the ones who go out and proclaim this incredible event that happened. They are bringing the good news of this birth to the rest of the world. Without the angels appearing to the shepherds and bringing them tidings of great joy to tell them what happened over in Bethlehem, David's city, (Luke 2:8-14) the event would have slipped by unawares except for some Magi who arrive a week and a half later (Matthew 2:1-12).
Another reason why I chose this hymn is that it does not take us to the stable, manger or cave in which Jesus is reported to have been born. Sure, the iconic image of the humble stable in Bethlehem are conjured up with the first verse, but the focus of the hymn is Jesus. We see all sorts of names for Jesus; a King, Christ, Lord, incarnate diety, Emmanuel or "God is with us", Prince of Peace and Son of Righteousness. And so it is with Christmas, all sorts of ways that celebrate that something special happened in that little city of Bethlehem. And so it will be this week as we continue to get ready to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas.
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!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb,
Veiled in flesh his Godhead see; hail th’ incarnate Deity
pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
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 lay his glory by, born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
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!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb,
Veiled in flesh his Godhead see; hail th’ incarnate Deity
pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
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 lay his glory by, born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
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