Hark!

Most of us know the words to this Christmas hymn. But do you know all the words? I suspect there is more gospel doctrine and proclamation in these stanzas than there will be in most of the sermons to be preached in Sunday, December 25, 2016! Please read (or sing) these words thoughtfully and prayerfully.

HARK, THE HERALD ANGLES SING 

Charles Wesley (1707-1788 ) 

Hark! the herald angels sing, 

Glory to the new-born King; 

Peace on earth, and mercy mild; 

God and sinners reconciled.

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, 

Join the triumph of the skies; 

With angelic hosts proclaim, 

“Christ is born in Bethlehem.” 

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. 

Come, Desire of nations, come! 

Fix in us Thy humble home: 

Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring seed,

Bruise in us the serpent's head;

Adam's Likeness now efface,

Stamp Thine image in it's place:

Final Adam from above,

Reinstate us in Thy love.

Quoted from  A Guide for Advent: The Arrival of King Jesus.