History

The story of the carol we sing today is absolutely fascinating, not to mention the fact that it would have been a nightmare if the modern copyright system were in play. In fact, the original author might have been able to hum this tune as it plays through the speakers at his local grocery store and never know he was singing his own song.

In 1739, a recently converted Charles Wesley wrote this hymn titled, “Hymn for Christmas-Day” with a little bit of a different opening line than you might expect. The song started, “Hark! how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings” but Wesley’s friend, George Whitfield would later change the opening lines to the familiar two lines we get today.

When Wesley penned the words, he imagined it being set to slow and solemn music, likely so that the singer or listener could soak in and absorb the depth of the lyrics he wrote— which is understandable, the lyrics are incredible.

Sweet, poignant statements such as “Pleas’d as Man with Men t’appear, Jesus our Emmanuel here,” may be a little unfamiliar for our modern publications, but the words certainly aren’t lacking in comfort or power.

Over a century after it was initially written, William H. Cummings adapted the words to a secular tune that would be come the most familiar version of the music we know today. The festive, celebratory music we can all sing off the top of our head is a far cry from the solemnity Wesley initially envisioned, but it is certainly fitting of the Christmas spirit we’ve all come to love.

Devotion

Why did Jesus come?

That’s a loaded question, isn’t it? Jesus gives us a little insight in John 3:17 when He’s discussing this idea of a “second birth” with a Pharisee named Nicodemus. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

That’s a pretty big deal. See, the secular worldview of our faith wants to preach the false gospel that Jesus (and by extension, God) is a judgemental, condemning fairy tale. But we know that isn’t true. We’ve experienced the goodness that Jesus brings to us through His death, burial, and resurrection.

Jesus didn’t come here to condemn and judge His children. He came to bring salvation and freedom. This song reminds us that He was, “Born to give [us] second birth.”

It’s a weird concept to understand, this idea of being born twice. But it’s a principle we must appreciate—the idea of being made entirely new, through Christ.

Application

The newness is what we celebrate this season. For one, we sing, “glory to the new-born King!” but it doesn’t stop there. We celebrate the new life Christ has given us.

For some of you, this might be your first Christmas as a believer, and all the familiar songs and traditions have an exciting new meaning for you. For others, this might be just another Christmas, another in a long line of traditions you enjoy observing with your family every year.

My prayer for you is that the Gospel will come alive to you in new and amazing ways. We have a lot to celebrate. We get to celebrate a God who saves, not one who condemns. You’ve heard it called the Good News, and there is a fantastic reason for that: the news is good.

The churchy word for this is the “ministry of reconciliation,” and it’s the idea that the sinner is saved by the Sinless One. Where once there was unresolvable conflict, there is now reconciliation.

Take time to celebrate the reconciliation. Take time to thank God, and to ask Him for forgiveness. Reconcile yourself to God this season and take part in the joy that He brings.

Related Scripture

John 3:1-21, 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Hark The Herald Angels Sing lyrics

HARK! the Herald Angels sing

Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild,

God and Sinners reconcil’d.

Joyful all ye Nations rise,

Join the Triumphs of the Skies;

Nature rise and worship him,

Who is born at Bethlehem.

Christ by highest Heav’n ador’d,

Christ the everlasting Lord;

Late in Time behold-him come,

Offspring of the Virgin’s Womb.

Veil’d in Flesh the Godhead see,

Hail th’ incarnate Deity!

Pleas’d as Man with Men t’appear,

Jesus our Emmanuel here.

Hail the Heav’n-born Prince of Peace

Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and Life around he brings,

Ris’n with Healing in his Wings.

Mild he lays his Glory by,

Born that Men no more may die;

Born to raise the Sons of Earth,

Born to give them second Birth.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing Lyric Video

What to know about Hark! The Herald Angels Sing:

• Who wrote “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”?

  • Charles Wesley wrote the words (initially titled “Hymn for Christmas Day” to Hark the Herald Angels Sing in 1739, shortly after he converted to Christianity. Over 100 years later, William H. Cummings adapted the words to a secular tune that would become the familiar version we know today.

• When was “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” written?

  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing was written in 1739 by Charles Wesley.

• What is “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” about?

  • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is a song meant to remind us of the full significance of Christ coming to dwell with us, and allow God to reconcile sinners back to himself. The modern music conveys a celebratory feeling, but the words convey a powerful reminder.