Advent Hymn Reflection #3
*Originally used in a Men’s Advent Study Group, Dec., 2021
Materials
Scripture
Luke 2:8-14 -- And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
2 Cor 5:18-20 -- All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Isaiah 9:6 -- For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Hymn: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Lyrics: Read Here
Learn: Doctrine in the Hymn — Christmas is home to one of the most profound yet easily forgotten doctrines in today's Church: the extra Calvinisticum. A splendid doctrine with a stupid name, if there ever was one! Was Jesus absent from Heaven when He came to earth? How could He still "uphold the universe by the word of His power" (Heb. 1:3) when he was a speechless and powerless baby? This article summarizes how Scripture answers those questions, and hints of it are found in the second verse to our hymn.
Reflection Guide
Hymns are a central source of Christian teaching. Good hymn writers weave together countless Scripture references and allusions, distilling the most complex, profound, mysterious truths into memorable poem. Thus, they serve not only as religious expression, but religious instruction as well. When we study their words as a spiritual discipline, our singing is edified by our understanding! Use this reflection guide to get started.
One verse at a time, slowly reflect on the words of the hymn
Paraphrase each verse in your own words -- jotting this down on paper will help!
Write down any questions you have about the hymn, or confusing terms and phrases
Write down any passages of Scripture that come to mind as you read the hymn
Write down what the hymn says about us, i.e., what we do, say, think, receive (this will help you think about personal application)
Lastly, try to summarize each verse in just 3 words or fewer.
Reflection Questions
Verse 1 combines Luke 2:14 and 2 Cor. 5:19 to say, "peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" We tend to think of "reconciliation" as an Easter theme; Christ reconciles us to God at the cross. Amen! In what way, though, is reconciliation between God and sinners accomplished at Christ's incarnation?
Both times the hymn mentions "peace", it's connected with Christ's...how should we say it...political office: first as King (verse 1), then as Prince (verse 3). How different is this True King from our earthly ones! Describe the comfort of knowing the ultimate King is one of Peace.
Did the article make sense? After reading it, write down any confusing parts, and any questions you have about the two natures of Christ.
The last three lines of the hymn give three reasons Christ was born ("Born to..."). Reflect especially on those lines, and how the gospel shines forth at Christmas.