PART 3: Reflection on “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” (song written by Charles Wesley and reflection adapted from a blog on a Christian website with permission).
“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!”
This hymn ends on a high note. The author was able to capture and bring together some of the greatest themes in the Bible. ‘Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brought light and life, healing and resurrection. Jesus was born “that [we] no more may die”, “to raise [us]”, “to give [us] second birth.” However, Jesus’ birth would only bring healing and new life after his death. His birth gives us second birth and His resurrection raises “the sons” and daughters of earth’
This good news of great joy was brought first to the shepherds. The angels did not go to the elite or the famous. Jesus’s birth was first announced to those who could only come to Him with empty hands, but open hearts. So let us know that we can approach Him with empty hands and open hearts as He is the “Son of righteousness”. We can simply come and sing “Glory to the Resurrected King!”
May God in His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, guard our hearts and minds to understand this good news of great Joy, that God, made flesh, in the human form of a infant, blessed the world forever and is with us always. Amen.
May the Blessings of this Christmas Joy be with you always!