Christ, Christmas, and the Power of Hymns

Christmas and Reformed Christianity have, what I would consider, a complex relationship. Among Reformed Christians, especially among those who spend a fair amount of time in online chatrooms, you will find a diverse range of opinions on this holiday. Namely, you’re likely to encounter: (1) Confessional Traditionalists who will remind you that there is no holy day but the Lord’s Day and that Christmas has no place in Christian churches; (2) Reformed Catholics who gladly embrace Christmas as a helpful tradition worthy to be celebrated as a special day of commemoration; (3) regular, faithful Evangelicals who had no idea this was a serious conversation taking place among their serious theology and history-minded Reformed Christian friends.

Whatever your position on Christmas as a Christian, I believe we must grant that this is a time of year when we are all forced to give special consideration to Christ’s birth. Whether you are someone who wants to fight to keep Christ in Christmas or someone who just wants to make the most cultural milieu to present the gospel and orthodox Christology, now is a great time to brush up on Christ’s first advent and the various doctrines it brings together. To get you started on this amazing, timely theological task, I want to draw your attention to a work in church history. Christians, especially those of us in the broader Reformed and Evangelical tradition, have many historical resources to help us quickly remember, think of, and speak on the glorious truths we profess. We have confessions and catechisms, sermons and systematics, but we also have the unique power of hymns!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is a classic. It is one of several truly and intentionally Christian hymns that is still known, recognized, and sung as a part of the general Christmas music canon.

Yet, for all that fame, how well do people know its origins? The hymn was first written by Charles Wesley, the great Methodist leader and Anglican hymnist, in 1739. Furthermore, the title and opening lines we sing today come by way of an adaption by Geroge Whitefield, the father of Calvinistic Methodism and Anglican evangelist, in 1758. Given the hymn’s pedigree, one should not be surprised that the catchy medley contains deep insights into Christ’s person, coming, and nature. Let’s briefly break down the most common version of the hymn:

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!"    

From this first verse, we learn that Jesus Christ, the baby born in Bethlehem on the first Christmas, is: (1) a king who brings peace to creation, (2) the means of reconciliation between God and sinners, and (3) worthy of worship by the nations of earth and the angels of heaven.

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 with us in flesh to dwell,

Jesus, our Immanuel.

In the second verse, we learn of the descent of Christ, the Lord of Heaven, to Earth, the first step of what theologians will call the humiliation of Christ (since his coming led to his undeserved suffering and death). Further, we are introduced to the fundamental doctrines of the virgin birth and the incarnation; i.e. that Jesus is God made flesh.  

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 we no more may die,

born to raise us from the earth,

born to give us second birth.

Finally, we are presented with the reality that Jesus’ birth is directly connected to the light, life, and healing (think salvation) that he ultimately brings. Specifically, Jesus’ birth was the necessary prerequisite to a ministry that results in eternal life, bodily resurrection, and regeneration for the elect of God.

All that? In a Hymn?

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is popular, it has been considered one the great four of Anglican hymnody. There is a good chance that you already know the words to this song, or if someone started to sing it you would be able to join in without hesitation. Yet, have you ever stopped and realized how theologically rich and biblically informed the lyrics prove to be? Despite being catchy and easy to remember, not a single word is wasted. From the incarnation and virgin birth to the kingship and salvation of Christ, advanced Christian theology is woven together in a hymn that you can easily sing and, most importantly, remember. Thus, let me leave you with two conclusions:

Firstly, whether you’re a confessional Reformed Sabbatarian, a liturgical church calendar fan, or someone who just enjoys some Christmas cheer, do not waste the opportunity this time of year provides in the Western world. People are thinking about Christmas, and Christmas should be about more than just good cheer, generosity or some special baby in a manger. Christmas, if celebrated, should be a reference to the birth of Jesus Christ: the true king of the world, the one mediator between God and humanity, and the sole giver of life. If an opportunity arises to talk about Jesus Christ this Christmas season, be prepared to talk about the real Him.  

Secondly, if you are given the opportunity to talk about Jesus, or any theological topic at any time, do not overlook the usefulness of historic hymnody. Many of the great hymns in church history bridge the gap between catchy and memorable and theologically orthodox and robust. Whether it is sharing Christian truth with a friend, family member, or even recalling it for yourself, hymns are helpful teaching tools that often succinctly state core doctrines quickly. Therefore, listen, share, and sing the great hymns of church history: gift yourself with a repository of theological knowledge that can be recalled and shared with ease in a pinch. That’s the power of hymns, especially at Christmas time.