Author: Charles Wesley. Altered by George Whitefield

This beloved Christmas carol may be the most theologically ordered hymn in Christendom. Charles Wesley, who wrote over 6,500 hymns (yes, 6,500!) during his life as a Christian, wrote “Hark! The Herald” within a year of his conversion to Christianity.

How theologically full are the lyrics which give meaning to the melody written by Mendelssohn (#51171). Through its three stanzas, which describe Jesus Christ, Wesley presents the gospel. His friend, George Whitefield, made an alteration to the second verse when he replaced, “Hark how all the Welkin rings” to “Glory to the Newborn King.” It was a change which affected even Wesley, for in a later hymnal, Whitefield’s verse replaced his own.

Sample Lyrics:

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!"

Scripture References:

No less than forty Scripture passages are indicated in this Christmas carol. The Gospels represented include:

Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 2:1-2, 13-14
Matthew 20:28
Luke 1:33-35, 77-79
Luke 2
Luke 4: 4:18
Luke 24:46-51
John 1:1-26
John 3:1-17
John 8:12
John 10:10
John 11:25-26

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The Old Testament contains over 350 prophecies about Jesus Christ. As we reflect and praise God for Jesus coming to save us during this Advent season, we’ll consider a few Old Testament verses that find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

The Bible reveals God’s redemptive plan for humanity, and it centers on Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Because God fulfills all His promises and prophecies, we can anticipate with confidence what He says will come to pass. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, part of our preparation should include reading what the Old Testament says about Jesus.

The following are 24 Old Testament passages and their references to the corresponding New Testament fulfillments in Christ Jesus.

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Even within our faith, differences between denominations amass over issues that for some will prevent them from voting for a particular person. Whether single-issue or “whole package” voters, as Christians, it’s our privilege to cast a vote based on how our faith leads us.

However, we need to be careful to refrain from heated discussions with people who have opposing views. The Bible tells us to, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone” (Philippians 4:5). The passage continues by telling Christians the Lord is at hand and His peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). As we interact with other voters and discover differences in values, we are to pray in our hearts and with other believers with thankfulness to the Lord, and be peaceable.

The other person, whether Christian or not, will see our behavior and remember our actions. The best outcome? They will glorify God because of us (Galatians 1:24).

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