![]() “Gloria, in excelsis Deo.” This phrase repeated in the song means, “Glory to God in the highest.” Heaven sang praise as Jesus came down, which reflects the transition from heaven to earth is The first verse of this carol mentions the mountains “echoing their joyous strains,” as the angels sang. “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day” ( John 6:39). Perhaps it was the heart of those who made sure not to lose one sheep, that sought after sharing news of the One who would go after the hearts of all men … seeking not to lose one. They were a lower-class group of people, yet the angels appeared to them! Scripture assures us that they were terrified! The events of this night were a far cry from their day-to-day operation of sheep herding. The shepherds were a very important part of the scene, and God’s plan. James Chadwick wrote “Angels We Have Heard on High” to sing of the story in the gospel of Luke, when Jesus Christ was born. “Hail the Flesh, the God Head see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel!” “Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King!” When standing in worship together, singing that song, we are repeating Scripture! This catchy carol highlights the definitive nature of the Christian believer, for we solely embrace the fact that Jesus came here in the flesh, died, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” ( Luke 2:13-14). The very beginning of this classic Christmas carol gives glory to the story Luke told in his gospel. It seems that he, too, knew the power of melody upon any memory. “He reigns with truth and grace.” He is righteous, He has come, and sits at the right hand of the Father with authority.Ĭharles Wesley, in an effort to share the gospel with ordinary people, wrote “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (1739) among many other famous hymns. The very definition of the word, “ joy,” is “ a source or cause of delight” (Merriam-Webster). “ Joy to the World” is a repetition of God’s promises ones that we need to repeat to ourselves far beyond the Christmas season. Let all the trees of the forest dig in and reach high with songs of joy before the Eternal” ( Psalm 96:11-12). Let the fields grow in triumph, a grand jubilee for all that live there. “And so, let the heavens resound in gladness! Let joy be the earth’s rhythm as the sea and all its creatures roar. Since 1719, we’ve had a melody to weave around the embrace of these promises. Psalm 98, Psalm 96:11-12 and Genesis 3:17-18 are all embraced in the beautiful truth of what Christmas is really about. Isaac Watts penned the lyrics to “ Joy to the World,” but God Himself ordained the Scripture that is referenced throughout its stanzas. He was with God in the beginning.” Jesus is the Word, and the reason for the Christmas season. The gospel of John reminds us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. As children, we learn our ABC’s by singing them! Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Though we might not all be the best at memorizing Scripture, human nature often lends the success of our memory to song. “For the word of God is alive and active. ![]() ![]() In a world full of commercialism, especially around Christmastime, we need Hebrews 4:12. We sing songs that have been passed down and formed from the way God’s Word moved someone’s heart to put a tune to it. We feel this way because many of the Christmas Carols that have become part of the tapestry of our every December, are woven from the very One who was, is, and always will be. The first few notes of “O Holy Night,” and the Peanuts singing, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” stir the true spirit of Christmas in our souls. ![]()
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