An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:9-11, 13-14
It’s Christmas, and every year a growing appreciation for the Christmas carols just fascinates me. I was at the hair salon the other day and I shared with the young woman doing my hair that if you really think about the words in those Christmas carols, you will hear in no uncertain terms the meaning of Christmas. She looked at me rather puzzled so I went right into sharing with her the reason for the season.
This carol specifically is filled with rich gospel overtones. Every time it’s sung in a choir or heard in the mall, the God of heaven is speaking of His only begotten Son in the ears of all humanity.
In Hark the Herald Angels Sing, we learn that only through “the new born King” can “God and sinners [be] reconciled.” We are also reminded that Jesus, being God, took on human flesh. “Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ the everlasting Lord; . . . Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity.”
These words echo the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote that “there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men,” the Lord Jesus Christ. “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself”—providing a way of salvation for those who deserve nothing more than God’s condemnation.
Isn’t it amazing that God not only sent the angel to the shepherds to declare the message of our sinful condition, but also of forgiveness, hope and healing, light and life through the birth of that One baby born in the manger? Then an army of angels joined with them and burst into praise!
Ladies, what an opportunity to take this Christmas carol and share with your unsaved friends, loved ones and maybe even your hairdresser, why Christmas is a celebration indeed.
I invite you to read all the stanza’s of this hymn and join with me and the heavenly host in praising God for Jesus, our Emmanuel. (God with us)!
