The Greatest Christmas Carol

As the song-writer put it, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And even for those who may disagree, or are unable to comprehend that, it is true nonetheless.

The season brings with it a vast variety of traditions and practices including, of course, the constant playing of the so-called ‘Christmas Carols’. These well-known songs often carry with them profound lyrics that are even played on secular outlets that normally adhere to the wrongly understood concept of ‘separation of church and state’. Millions sing or hear the words they have often known well since childhood. Sadly many of the same do not notice, or maybe care anything about, the staggering spiritual implications leaving their own lips or entering their ears.

 But it could be argued that the single most profound carol of the season is "Hark The Herald Angels Sing”. It first appeared in 1739 in the collection of hymns and sacred poems written by Charles Wesley. The popular version is the result of alterations by various hands, including George Whitefield, who was Wesley's co-worker. He changed the opening to the familiar one.

The hymn is a stunning statement of theological and biblical truth. Again, countless millions annually parrot its words without pausing to analyze the incredibly clear life-changing message it declares in every stanza. It does so to the degree of revealing the existence of human sin and the full plan of salvation to any who really focus on the eternally significant lyrics found therein.

 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 angelic host proclaim "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Hark! the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!" 

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the favored one. Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail! the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen 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!"

It is hard to imagine how any could not be drawn into some encounter with God through the words of this great hymn and others like it. Tragically many do not, and therefore repeatedly miss we call "The reason for the season.”

But for those who have a personal knowledge of this carol’s greatest phrase, “God and sinners reconciled!", this is indeed the most wonderful time of the year, And the meaning of Charles Wesley’s Christmas masterpiece has since been surprisingly reaffirmed in one of the newer songs whose title alone complements his great work. It is appropriately entitled, “Cradle In The Shadow Of a Cross.” And as Linus said to Charlie Brown in perhaps the most beloved TV special of the season, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!”

 “Born to raise the sons of earth, 

Born to give them second birth.”

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

 Bill Breckenridge