DAY 18

RECONCILED

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” has one line which if Jesus had a mission statement, this would be it.  The song states, “God and sinners reconcile.” Simply put, this is why Christ came into the world.  This is why Christ’s birth has significance.  This is why the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)   God was pleased to enter the world he created.  He is the one who has made peace with us, not us with him.  He came to his creation which was living in rebellion against him and offered pardon to all who would accept his gift.

This Advent season, raise your praises to heaven for God has reconciled us to himself through the “Son of Righteousness.”

HARK!  THE HERALD ANGELS SING

(This carol was originally written by Charles Wesley, but has undergone several alteration from its original form.)

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 the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
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 a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, the 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 Son 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 earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”