In recent posts, I’ve shared excerpts from a curriculum about Christology, the study of the person of Christ. You can access the curriculum for free here. At the end of the curriculum, I give examples of good and bad (heretical) Christology. I used these examples as a way for the students to review what we had learned in the class. The example I chose of outstanding Christology was from a Christmas hymn.
Here is page 29, and I hope you’ll take time to contemplate the words. Drew Dyck recently shared this on twitter: “It always feels a little strange being in public places this time of year and hearing Christmas carols that present the gospel so clearly and beautifully, and yet the message floats right past most people.” – I think we as believers can let the message float right past us too.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Author: Charles Wesley
This hymn is filled with excellent Christology. We should sing it not only at Christmas but year round! Carefully reflect on each stanza. Observe. Look for things we have learned in regards to: the Incarnation, the pre-existent Christ, Christ’s deity, Christ’s humanity, Christ’s humility, and the hypostatic union.
Consider looking up the following Scripture references:
Stanza 1: Luke 2:14, 2 Corinthians 5:19
Stanza 2: Galatians 4:4, John 1:14
Stanza 3 : Isaiah 9:6, Malachi 4:2, Philippians 2:7-8, 1 Peter 1:3
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!”
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.
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.
Enough Light 