Five Favorite Christmas Carol Texts

We are three days away from Christmas Day, and one of the most beloved Christmas texts of all time is one by Charles Wesley, first published in 1739. It communicates some great theological ideas in its lines such as, "God and sinners reconciled," "late in time behold him come, offering of the virgin's womb," and "veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail th'incarnate deity."

One of the wonderful things about this hymn is how joyful it is to sing. It lends itself to raise our voices and hearts in worship of Christ, the newborn King. If you haven't sung it yet in your church services this month, no doubt you soon will, for it is one that should not be overlooked in the Advent/Christmas season. Here is #3 on my list, "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing."

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 hosts proclaim,

"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

Refrain: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 Virgin's womb:

veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

hail th'incarnate Deity,

pleased as man with men to dwell,

Jesus, our Immanuel.

[Refrain]

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun 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 the earth,

born to give them second birth.

[Refrain]