Spread the Christmas melodies
In the heart of the festive season, as the stirring of Christmas fills the air, it's easy for many of us to get lost in the nostalgia. But for those in churches, this season offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the stirring reality reflected in our beloved Christmas carols.
One such carol is the resounding "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," penned by Charles Wesley. This carol, with its angelic proclamation echoing Luke 2:14, is a treasure trove of theological truths. It celebrates the incarnation of Christ, His role as the newborn King bringing peace and reconciliation between God and sinners, the fulfillment of prophecy through the virgin birth, and the promise of salvation and new birth for humanity. The themes of joy, hope, divine mercy, and the cosmic significance of Christ's coming are woven seamlessly throughout the carol[1][4].
For pastors seeking to effectively incorporate these truths into their sermons, here are some suggestions:
- Begin with the angelic announcement as a cosmic event linking heaven and earth, highlighting the significance of Christ’s birth for all nations and all people[3].
- Focus on reconciliation, emphasizing that Christmas is not just a birth story but a divine plan to reconcile sinners with God, offering peace and mercy to broken humanity[3].
- Teach on incarnation and humility, preaching on the profound mystery of God assuming human nature “veiled in flesh,” connecting divine glory and human vulnerability[3].
- Highlight hope and joy amid struggle, reminding congregants that Jesus is the consolation, hope, and joy of every longing heart, especially relevant in times of stress or suffering[3].
- Use the hymn as an entry point into ushering believers toward eternal hope and transformation, encouraging anticipation of the heavenly celebration to come, and the personal transformation promised by Christ’s birth[3][4].
By unpacking the dense Christological and soteriological themes of these carols and applying them to our spiritual lives today, we can ensure that the stirring reality of Christmas is never lost amid the festive cheer[1]. Incorporating scriptural references from the songs, like Luke 2:14, helps ground sermons biblically while connecting congregations emotionally through familiar hymns.
Peter Mead, a mentor at Cor Deo and author of several books, emphasizes the importance of this approach in his blog, Biblical Preaching. He encourages pastors to view these carols as rich theological texts for sermons, serving as a means to communicate the profound truths of Christmas to their congregations[2].
As we prepare for the Christmas season, let us not overlook the theological treasures hidden within our beloved carols. By delving deeper into their meaning, we can ensure that our churches don't miss the stirring reality reflected in these timeless pieces of music.
References:
[1] Mead, P. (2014). Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: Theological Treasures in a Christmas Carol. Preaching Today. Retrieved from https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2014/december/23/hark-the-herald-angels-sing-theological-treasures-in-a-christmas-carol
[2] Evangelical Focus. (2021, December 16). Preaching through Christmas carols: Unpacking the theological treasures. Retrieved from https://www.evangelicalfocus.com/life-and-faith/preaching-through-christmas-carols-unpacking-the-theological-treasures/
[3] Mead, P. (2018). Preaching Through the Christmas Carols: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Retrieved from https://www.biblicalpreaching.net/2018/12/preaching-through-christmas-carols-hark-the-herald-angels-sing/
[4] Mead, P. (2015). Christmas Carols: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Retrieved from https://www.biblicalpreaching.net/2015/12/christmas-carols-hark-the-herald-angels-sing/
- By examining the theological depth of "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," we can transform our churches' entertainment of Christmas carols into a reverent exploration of the significance of Christ's birth.
- As pastors, let's use this carol to highlight the divinity of Christ and the prophetic fulfillment of his birth, ensuring that our flocks understand the true entertainment value in these carols – the eternal hope they bring.
