When it comes to worship music, I am drawn more to songs that are more upbeat and that encourage me to celebrate God’s majesty. When it comes to Christmas carols, then, how could I not prefer a classic work that has an exclamation point in the title. Of course, I am speaking of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
Of the many wonderful images attached to the Christmas story, the heavenly host seen by the shepherds is my favorite. What a sight that must have been. What a privilege it was for the shepherds to have witnessed this astounding display of praise of our Lord. With “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, the song starts by giving us a glimpse of true worship of our Lord. I look forward to the day when I am face-to-face with God and can offer praise and worship that is unencumbered by my sinful nature just as the heavenly host was doing.
I also like how this song expresses so much of the Gospel message in just a few words. It is the message of why the heavenly host was praising the Lord and why we should, also. Part of what makes this song a favorite for me is that it is sung by Christians and non-Christians alike. There are many people who have never stepped foot in a church who hear the Gospel message through this song. It is the closing song of the Charlies Brown Christmas Special. Whether they realize it or not, those who are listening to this song are hearing the Gospel message. Those who are singing this song are singing the gospel message to themselves and to others. The entire song represents the Gospel message; but look especially at the second and third verses.
Christ by highest heav'n 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,
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n 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!”
That is the story of how God relates to man. So much of God’s character and how he demonstrates his love for us is summarized in those words. And this is what Christians and non-Christians alike are proclaiming as they sing this song. What a great message! What a great way to get that message to those who might never hear it in a church.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is not just a Christmas song about a baby, and wise men, and shepherds. It is a song of praise and celebration about our creator and the Lord of all. It is a song about His unsurpassing love for His people. It is a song that clearly expresses how the Son of God came to reconcile God and sinners. It explains how and why the baby Jesus was such a gift for all mankind. It is a song that should make us want to join the heavenly host singing, “Glory to the newborn King.”