Born That Man No More May Die

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

I can't make it through this hymn without crying. 

Okay, okay, you caught me. I can't make it through the first LINE without crying. 

Hark! The Herald Ange- *cue sobs*

Have you ever just read the lyrics and let the words sink in? 

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 heav'n 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 man 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

Ris'n 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!" 

Jesus was born a King...born a KING! Can you imagine!? Angels sang, wise men traveled, and shepherds shouted praises at the birth of a child who would one day rule the nation. I can hardly find the words. 

Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth, the celebration of a fulfilled prophecy, because "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). 

As the hymn proclaims, Jesus was "born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth." If we choose to believe in Him, if we choose to accept Him as our Lord and Savior and pick up our crosses and follow Him, we will have eternal life. He was born so that we might be born again...not physically, but spiritually! 

He has already chosen us. All He asks is that we choose Him, too.

It's not about gifts. 

It's not about checklists.

It's not about obligatory family gatherings.

It's about making room for Jesus in our hearts.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Stop and listen today. Join the triumph of the skies! December 25th marks the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, who was born in a manger over 2,000 years ago.

History revolves around this birth. Because of this baby, everything changed. 

May you never forget that "the magic of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence." 

He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and He shall reign forever and ever! 

HALLELUJAH! 

Here is a video of our Chancel Choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus. Tears immediately fill my eyes as the organ begins to play and the congregation rises, shouting praises to the newborn King! You'll notice there is a stained glass window on the wall behind the choir loft. It's a picture of Jesus with His arms open wide, the ultimate welcome, as angels kneel beside Him. Imagine standing in the congregation with that image of Christ in the background as the Hallelujah Chorus echoes throughout the sanctuary. I have never witnessed anything so powerfully moving.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6