Theme for this month: Jesus in the Four Gospels
Theme for this week: “Jesus in the Gospel of Luke”
December 22, 2021 (Wednesday)
Yesterday we saw Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem to register for taxation. The little town had no place for them to stay, but they arranged to spend the night in a stable, and that night Jesus was born. The Angel Gabriel had told the parents of John the Baptist and also Mary and Joseph about the births of John and Jesus. But it probably came as a surprise that their nursery would be a stable and the crib a manger where animals usually fed. The giant and glorious announcement by angels was taking place out in the nearby fields. Here’s what the Bible says: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 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 2:8-14 NIV).
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley, pub.1739; alt. by George Whitefield, pub.1758
alt. by Martin Madan, pub.1767
Mendelssohn [.xml]; Felix Mendelssohn, pub.1840
arr. by William H. Cummings, pub.1857
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.”
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 the favored one.
Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, th’incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail! the heav’n 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!”