Advent Through Hymns Day 9: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

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"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is one of the most beloved Christmas hymns. It celebrates the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth. It was written by Charles Wesley in 1739, about a year after his conversion. The hymn was initially a poem titled Hark, How All the Welkin Rings. The term "welkin," meaning the heavens, reflected Wesley’s poetic style. However, George Whitefield, a contemporary of Wesley, revised the lyrics to the more familiar "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," making it accessible to a broader audience. The hymn’s melody was later adapted from a composition by Felix Mendelssohn, giving it the jubilant and majestic tone we recognize today (Hymnal Companion to the Lutheran Book of Worship, 1981).

This hymn is full of rich theology and triumphantly proclaims the Incarnation—the moment God became man. The lyrics emphasize the reconciliation between God and humanity, captured in the powerful phrase, "God and sinners reconciled." This echoes 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, which speaks of Christ’s role in restoring peace between heaven and earth. Inspired by Luke 2:14, the opening line invites all creation to join the heavenly choir, glorifying God and celebrating the peace brought by the Savior’s birth.

When we sing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," we are reminded of the profound truth of Christmas: the coming of Christ brings hope, joy, and peace to a broken world. As we lift our voices alongside the angels, proclaiming the good news that God is with us, may the hymn’s joyous message inspire us to reflect on the gift of reconciliation and share Christ's peace with others.

Sources

• Josh Longanecker, “The Story Behind: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” James River Church (https://jamesriver.church/blog/story-behind-hark-herald-angels-sing/).
• “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hark!_The_Herald_Angels_Sing).
• C. Michael Hawn, “History of Hymns: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Discipleship Ministries, The United Methodist Church (https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-hark-the-herald-angels-sing).

© Copyright by Kathryn Lake Hogan, 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Advent Through Hymns Week 2: Faith - Trusting in God's Promises

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Advent is a season of waiting but also a season of faith—a time to trust in God’s promises, even when His plans seem unclear. The second week of Advent focuses on faith, symbolized by the "Bethlehem Candle" in the Advent wreath. This candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey of trust as they travelled to Bethlehem, relying on God’s provision and guidance. Their faith serves as a model for us as we face life’s uncertainties, trusting in the promises of a faithful God.

Hymn Reflections

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

This triumphant hymn, written by Charles Wesley and revised by George Whitefield, proclaims the joy of Christ’s birth as a moment of reconciliation between God and humanity. The phrase “God and sinners reconciled” reflects 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, reminding us of the profound act of faith required to accept this gift of grace. The hymn invites us to join the heavenly choir, trusting in the peace Christ brings.

"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"

Nahum Tate’s paraphrase of Luke 2:8-14 highlights the faith of the shepherds, who responded immediately to the angelic announcement. Despite their humble status, they believed God’s message and acted on it, showing that faith is not about status but about trust in God’s word.

"Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow"

This African American spiritual calls us to active faith, urging believers to follow the star that leads to Christ. It reflects the shepherds' journey and challenges us to prioritize obedience to God’s call over worldly distractions.

"The First Noël"

This traditional English carol celebrates the faith of the Magi, who followed the star with unwavering trust, seeking the newborn King. Their journey is a testament to faith’s perseverance and reward.

"What Child Is This?"

William Chatterton Dix’s poignant hymn invites us to reflect on Christ's identity and the faith required to see Him as both King and Savior. Inspired by the Nativity story, the hymn calls us to trust in the miraculous nature of His birth and mission.

Conclusion

Faith calls us to action, trust, and hope in God’s promises, even when we cannot see the complete picture. As we light the Bethlehem Candle this week, let us reflect on how God’s faithfulness has sustained us in the past and trust Him in the future.

© Copyright by Kathryn Lake Hogan, 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Advent Through Hymns Day 6: Gaudete

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Gaudēte, gaudēte! 

Chrīstus est nātus 

Ex Marīā virgine, 

gaudēte! 

Rejoice, 

rejoice! 

Christ is born Of the Virgin Mary – 

Rejoice! 

"Gaudete," an ancient and sacred Christmas carol, was composed in the 16th century and first published in Piae Cantiones, a collection of sacred Latin songs. Its title, “Gaudete,” translates to “Rejoice,” echoing the theme of joy that marks the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday.

The hymn proclaims the fulfillment of God’s promises: “Christus est natus ex Maria virgine” (“Christ is born of the Virgin Mary”). We read in Philippians 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” We are called to prepare our hearts and share in heaven and earth’s jubilation that salvation is near as God’s redemption plan unfolds. The angelic proclamation found in Luke 2:10-11, bringing “good news of great joy” to all people, is reflected in the words of the hymn.

Singing "Gaudete" during Advent reminds us to pause and rejoice in the anticipation of the season. It encourages us to focus on the joy of God’s presence in our lives and prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth. 

Sources: 

• "What is 'Gaudete' Mean and Why Are the Lyrics Important to Advent?" Christianity.com (https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/why-churches-sing-gaudete-christmas.html).
• "Gaudete: What are the lyrics to the 16th-century Latin Christmas carol?" Classic FM(https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/gaudete-lyrics-latin-carol/).
• "Gaudete," Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaudete).


© Copyright by Kathryn Lake Hogan, 2024. All Rights Reserved.