Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ “
When I was a young husband and father we lived for a time in Vancouver, Washington. The choir was so hard pressed for talent that I was accepted as a member. We were to sing several Christmas Carols as a part of the program. We were located under the balcony and the lights were so low that we could hardly see our music. So it was inevitable that there would be some slips.
The program called for us to sing “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing.” Because of the dimness one of our sopranos jumped the gun. Suddenly out from under the balcony came a loud voice, “HARK!” The crowd could not control their laughter. When quiet returned, the pastor, who was narrating the program pronounced: “Hark! Hark! The lark in the dark!” Even the soprano enjoyed the humor.
It was a joyous night on that Judean hill when the angel announced the birth of the promised Messiah to a group of lowly shepherds. I can just imagine the laughter and joy as they rushed to Bethlehem to find the new born King of kings.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, “Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”
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 th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun 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.Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”
Come, Desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head.
Now display Thy saving power, Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”
Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface, Stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love.
Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the Life, the inner man:
O, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart.Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil