What can we learn from “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”?
As the Christmas season draws near, the timeless carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” echoes in churches and homes, inviting us to pause and reflect on the incredible gift of Christ’s birth. Written by Charles Wesley in 1739, this hymn holds a much needed message of hope, peace, and joy.
The Gospel story should stop us in our tracks
The carol begins with the word “Hark!” meaning “listen” or “pay attention.” The angels are not simply making noise; they are announcing an event that will forever transform the world, the arrival of the newborn king. This is a reminder that the Christmas story is not just an event from the past, but a living proclamation of God’s love and salvation. When we carefully listen to the message of Christmas, we hear the hope and peace Christ offers to every heart and soul.
God is always working towards reconciliation
Another lesson we learn from this hymn is the message of reconciliation. The second verse declares, “God and sinners reconciled.” Through Christ’s birth, God is selflessly reaching out to us in love, offering reconciliation and hope. This message of reconciliation extends to our relationships with one another as well—reminding us that Christ’s coming is a call to pursue peace and extend forgiveness in all areas of our lives.
Jesus’ birth brings us new life too
The carol also speaks of the transformative power of God’s love. In the line, “Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth,” we are reminded that Christ’s purpose was not only to bring peace but also to offer new life. Jesus’ coming brings us a chance for spiritual rebirth, offering hope to all who feel lost, weary, or burdened by sin. The birth of Jesus is the beginning of a journey toward healing, transformation, and redemption.
Joy endures in every season
Finally, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” captures the pure joy of the season. As we celebrate Christ’s birth, we are reminded that joy isn’t a fleeting feeling dependent on circumstances, but a deep, lasting reality rooted in the hope of Jesus Christ.
More joy, more hope, more Advent!
The songs and Scriptures of Advent have so much to teach us if we are willing to listen! If you’re looking for a way to draw closer to God this December, we invite you to join us each Sunday for worship and reflection in our first Advent series, Echoes of Emmanuel—now streaming on QAVA.
Each episode we’ll unpack a different Christmas carol complete with teaching from Pastors Shannon Scott and Curtis Zackery (CZ) and spectacular musical performances from beloved artists Christy Nockels and Jon Reddick.
Episode 3 coming Sunday, December 15th!
Jesus came into a spiritually bleak world. As Christy Nockels leads us in a rendition of “In the Bleak Midwinter,” Shannon Scott considers what it truly means for God to have sent his Son into a broken world.
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