Glory to the Newborn King!

 Can you imagine the arrival of the angels on the night Jesus was born? I love the picture the following scripture paints for us.

"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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."" (Luke 2:8-14 NIV).

One of the most popular Christmas carols is "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing", written by Charles Wesley in 1739. The melody is by composer Felix Mendelssohn in 1840. Wesley wrote more than 6,500 hymns. Besides telling the story of angels, the carol describes Christ's honor and deity and concludes with a prayer giving us second birth.

Sing along as we remember these familiar words of praise and honor to our Savior, born in Bethlehem.

"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 top the newborn King."  Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin's womb" Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail t'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 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. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

Oh, Gracious God: we look up and imagine the glory of Your angels as the shepherds saw that quiet night. Fill us with that same awe and wonder as we walk through these last few days before Christmas. Close our eyes to the busy-ness of the season and let us pause and rejoice with the angels! Fill our hearts with Your gift of the Savior and the thankfulness we feel. Let us experience the Glory of the angels once again. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.