Theology in a Hymn

Good Morning!

You know how some dates just stick in your mind? December 14, 1975 is one of those dates. It is the day my beloved Grandma Ward went home to be with Jesus. I am not sad, though, because I know she is with her Lord … who is also my Lord. And I know that her legacy continues on to this day in people like my Mother and Aunt Bette – and similarly in me and my sister and brother. But it is a date I remember clearly.

I went with Miss N to church Sunday evening. Pastor Jeff Lowe took few minutes to walk through a couple of hymns with the congregation. No – we didn’t sing them – Jeff talked about them. And it was really interesting. Let’s take one for an example this morning:

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

In the first verse, Charles Wesley introduces Jesus as King. How do we know that? Well, a “herald” is a person who either precedes a king or who makes announcements from the king. And, of course, the herald announces the new born King.

Further, Charles Wesley points to the king’s mission – the reconciliation of God and sinners.

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 the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

The second verse contains a lot of theology. (1) Christ is everlasting; (2) Christ is born of a virgin; (3) Christ is the incarnate Deity; and (4) Jesus is God with us (Emmanuel).

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son 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
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King

Charles Wesley loads this third verse with praises to God for all that He has given in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Read through it carefully and then sing it softly to yourself. Remember those good words throughout the day.

Agape’


Mr. Jim