Our church’s Christmas cantata this morning was entitled “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Stephen had the privilege of writing the narration, which was read by a couple in our church.

The narration went line by line through the familiar carol explaining the doctrine within its text. From there, Stephen wove in scripture verses that were alluded to in the song and fleshed out an entire narrative on Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. One of my favorite paragraphs from the narration explains the lines,

Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of a Virgin’s womb.

One of the cries of God’s people recorded throughout the Old Testament was “How long, Lord?” It was a plea for God to establish peace and enforce justice on behalf of His people, often in response to intense suffering and persecution.  Ultimately, it anticipates the coming of God’s promised Messiah, who would establish God’s kingdom on earth through His chosen people Israel.  God did indeed send His Messiah as promised…

After deciding on the theme, Stephen discovered that Mincy Media had made available a free arrangement of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, entitled Wesley’s Carol. There was even an online recording of the arrangement so our church choir members could listen to it at their own convenience. Wesley’s Carol is a simple, but beautiful arrangement that was easy for our small group to learn and sing. God is good to orchestrate the timing of the free distribution of this carol. Thank you, Mincy Media!

Our concert began with the choir singing Wesley’s Carol and ended with the congregation singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Ray and Lisa did a great job as our narrators this morning. The narrative was accentuated with congregational singing and instrumental music at several points throughout.

Immanuel.  The Prince of Peace. The Resurrection and the Life.  Each of these names reveals the glory of Christ’s incarnation.  He calls all to receive the miracle of regeneration and the new birth through faith in Him.  For those who do so, he promises eternal life and endless joy.

Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them Second Birth.

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,
Glory to the newborn King!