I hope it’s not too late to talk about Christmas one more time. Specifically, there is some great theology in the Christmas hymns.
O come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant
O come ye O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
How is the baby in the manger the King of Angels? Well, the baby was the Son of God incarnate- taking on human form. Jesus was with the Father from eternity past. He was with God in the beginning when the angels were created! Does that boggle your mind? Secondly, Jesus commands the angels. He is not one of them, but he sends them as messengers and protectors of God’s people. (Hebrews 1:4-7)
This is one of many ways the Christmas hymns recognize the full deity of the One in the manger. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” is another favorite:
Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled
Charles Wesley had it right when he wrote “veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail th’incarnate Deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.” “Mild, he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die.” The third verse refers to a prophecy in Malachi. “Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace, Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Ris’n with healing in his wings.” These are just some of the great lyrics and theology!
Jesus laid his glory by when he left heaven to be born as a helpless child. He was the Sun of Righteousness predicted by Malachi, the last prophet of the Old Testament. Jesus’ birth can be called his rising, as well as his resurrection. He was “born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth”. Have you had your second birth yet? Back in the day, we had a phrase that still is true- if being born once hasn’t given you much satisfaction, try being born again! That is possible with Jesus. Just humble yourself and ask him to come in to your life. Let’s pray together:
Lord, thank you that the Christmas hymns teach us so much about the full deity of Jesus. We love to sing all kinds of Christmas songs, but let us not forget these classics. Thank you that Jesus was born King of the Angels. He, along with the Father, had presided over their creation. Thank you Jesus, that you command the angels to protect your people today. Thank you that in Jesus’ ministry we see the glory of the Godhead- Father, Son and Spirit. Thank you that he is the Sun that rises in our lives when we accept him.
Lord, thank you that through Jesus we can have a second birth and a fresh start. Thank you that he has healing in his wings to heal our brokenness. And we pray that more people will experience this second birth. Lord, we thank you that even though Jesus humbled himself, you raised him on high to be restored to glory at your right hand.
Lord, we pray for newness and healing in this New Year. May Jesus shine through us to reach others. In His Name we pray, Amen.