Podcasts about herald angels sing

This Sunday's Inspirational Message is:   From Slaves To Sons! Today we turn to Galatians 4:4–7. In just four verses, the Apostle Paul gives us one of the clearest explanations in all of Scripture of what Christmas truly accomplished. Paul doesn't describe shepherds or angels. He doesn't mention a star or a manger. Instead, he tells us why Jesus came and what His coming permanently changed. And here's the thing—many people celebrate Christmas emotionally or traditionally. They feel something during the season. They enjoy the familiarity. But they never come to rest in the assurance Christ came to give. Paul tells us plainly: because of Christ, believers are no longer slaves, but sons. And if sons, then heirs. That is not sentimental language. It is legal language. It is relational language. And it is meant to give deep, lasting assurance. This passage answers some of the most important questions we quietly carry: Do I really belong to God? Am I secure with Him, or can I lose that standing? Does God truly care about me in my weakness, my waiting, and my suffering? Paul's answer is clear and steady: yes—because God sent His Son at exactly the right time to redeem you and to bring you fully into His family. * * * * * Once again, thanks for joining us in our time of worshiping the Lord through His Word! If you enjoyed this episode and want to help support this ministry, please share it with others and post about it on social media. "Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. The music "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" and "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing" arranged and played by Don Wigton. Used by Permission.   

2025 Voetberg Family Christmas Concert - https://youtu.be/FSItsRg3FrA?si=PpOMOezsL5i5N7vq "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" by Elisha & Katie Voetberg - https://youtu.be/7krwjOqUJaU?si=qzTvWxGjYmefFzj_ 136: Why We Are Celebrating Christmas For The First Time - https://youtu.be/7cboIykta-Y?si=6q4iTiqoVggObRXD 096: Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? - https://www.nowthatwereafamily.com/podcasts/now-that-we-re-a-family-10/episodes/2147567954

Darl Quethos has surprised Parker on the cathedral roof. What is the Eye and does Parker possess it? These and other questions are not answered in our Christmas episode!

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Farmersville, OhioDecember 24, 2025Christmas Eve Candlelight ServiceWelcome and AnnouncementsPreludeOpening Hymn - "O Come, All Ye Faithful" - LBW #45, vv. 1 and 3Reading Based on Isaiah 9Song of Response - "Angels We Have Heard on High" - LBW #71, vv. 1 and 3Reading of Luke 2:1-7Hymn - "Away in a Manger" - LBW #67, vv. 1 and 3MeditationHymn - "O Little Town of Bethlehem" - LBW #41, vv. 1 and 4Reading of Luke 2:8-14Song - "How Great Our Joy"MeditationHymn - "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" - LBW #60, vv. 1 and 3Reading of Luke 2:15-20Hymn - "Go Tell It on the Mountain" - LBW #70, vv 1. and 3OfferingOffertory - "What Child is This?" - LBW #40, vv. 1 and 3Words of Institution and Lord's PrayerDistributionLighting of the Candles and Reading of John 1:1-4Hymn - "Silent Night" - LBW #65Christmas PrayersBenedictionExodus Hymn - "Joy to the World" - LBW #39DismissalFor the video version of this service, please visit https://youtu.be/HJmJJSw0q94Have a Merry Christmas, and may God bless you now and always!

The winter holidays are a time to cozy up with family – even if those family members are furry and of a different species. For many, dogs and cats aren't just animals, they're cherished loved ones who come into our lives at the exact moment we need them.This holiday season, The Decibel's editor David Crosbie, Globe and Mail staffers and Canadians share personal stories about how they met their pets and how caring for them has changed their lives.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special G220 Radio episode, we dive into the rich theology woven into some of the most beloved Christmas hymns of the Christian faith. While Christmas music fills the air every December, many believers don't realize how deeply these songs proclaim the doctrines of the incarnation, redemption, and the kingship of Christ. Join us as we explore the biblical truths behind classics like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and Joy to the World—songs that not only celebrate Christ's birth but teach and reinforce essential Christian doctrine. We'll look at their historical backgrounds, unpack the Scriptures that shaped their lyrics, and discuss why what we sing matters for our worship and our witness. We'll also evaluate how to discern the theology of modern Christmas songs and consider how the music of the season can serve as a powerful tool for evangelism and reflection on the gospel. Whether you're a lover of historic hymns, a worship leader, or simply someone who enjoys singing these familiar songs each year, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the truth they proclaim and help you approach the Christmas season with renewed worship, joy, and discernment. Tune in as we let the Word of Christ dwell richly in us—through the songs we sing to celebrate the Savior who came and the King who is coming again.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by Methodist Central Hall, Westminster

Natalie Grant performs 'Hark, the Herald Angels Sing'; Catching up with Miss America Cassie Donegan; Jessica Secrest shares dessert recipes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Natalie Grant performs 'Hark, the Herald Angels Sing'; Catching up with Miss America Cassie Donegan; Jessica Secrest shares dessert recipes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore 7 ancient Biblical prophecies that foretold the birth of Jesus Christ in astonishing detail. The Christmas story was not a random moment in history, but a carefully planned rescue mission revealed centuries in advance through the prophets of Israel and fulfilled with stunninging precision.  This teaching walks through key Messianic prophecies from Isaiah, Micah, Genesis, and the Gospels, showing how Jesus was born of a virgin, born in Bethlehem, called Immanuel, descended from Abraham, announced by a herald, and ultimately despised and rejected—exactly as Scripture foretold. These fulfilled prophecies provide powerful historical and biblical evidence that Jesus is the promised Saviour and that the Christmas story is grounded in truth. Musically backed by timeless Christmas carols such as O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, O Come O Come Emmanuel, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, this episode invites reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. #christmasstory  #JesusChrist #BibleProphecy #fulfilledprophecy  #birthofjesus  #tchristmas  Illustrated Bible based lessons through the lens of God's eternal love for humanity and His desire to reconcile all things to Himself. 

Summary: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Advent Devo #17) In this penultimate advent devotional for 2025, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church explores the deep theological roots of the classic carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Drawing from Colossians 1:15–20, the session breaks down the dual nature of Christ—His cosmic divinity as the Creator and sustainer of the universe, and His humble incarnation as the Savior who reconciles humanity to God through the cross. Key highlights include: • A History of the Hymn: Learn how Charles Wesley's 1739 poem, originally titled "Hark! How All the Welkin Rings," was refined by George Whitefield and eventually paired with Felix Mendelssohn's upbeat melody in 1840 to become the masterpiece we sing today. • Theology in Song: A verse-by-verse look at how the lyrics proclaim Jesus as the "incarnate Deity," the "Sun of Righteousness," and the "Prince of Peace" who brings second birth to all. • Biblical Foundation: An exploration of Christ's preeminence as the "image of the invisible God" and the "firstborn from the dead." Join us for this insightful study as we celebrate the "newborn King" who lays His glory by to bring light and life to the world. #advent2025 #ChristmasTheology #HarkTheHeraldAngelsSing #BibleStudy #ForestHillPres #AdventDevotional #CharlesWesley #ChristianHymns

Title: A Christmas Carol Examined: Hark the Herald Angels Sing Text: Various FCF: We often neglect the deep theology in the Christmas carols we sing. Prop: Because Hark the Herald angels sing speaks much about the gospel, we should sing it with renewed vigor. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Genesis Chapter 3. We will reference several passages of scripture this morning but it might be wise for you to have this text open and in front of you. In light of the holiday season, I typically break for a couple weeks from whatever sermon series I am in, in order to better accommodate our traditions. What a joy it was to hear so many of our folks use the talents the Lord has given them to bring Him praise this morning. Next week I'll deliver my traditional year wrap up sermon. I'll give you some lessons I've learned and some recommendations I have. I'll also spend some time assessing where we as a church are and how we could improve. Today, I wanted to do something a bit different and a good deal shorter than I normally would. My wife actually gave me the idea, calling my attention to this particular Christmas Carol which was missing a verse or two in our hymn book. In looking into the carol, and to the distance between when most of the carols we sing were written and us singing them today, it became clear that I should devote time to taking a familiar carol and examining the rich theological depths which we unknowingly sing about each year. Today, we will consider the carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing. This is on page 192 in our hymnal. The Carol was written by Charles Wesley. He wrote five verses. Most hymnals, including our own, only have the first three verses. Primarily because George Whitfield, a good friend of the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, edited the song down to four verses, combining the last two verses into one. This edit was later removed and kept to 3 verses in most hymnals. This was not because of any theological differences or errors that Whitefield perceived, but primarily to shorten the song without repeating theological themes. Unfortunately, we will only have time to look at two verses this morning. But I will make it up to you by giving you two for the price of one. So, we'll look at the first verse which we always sing. Then we will look at Mr. Whitfield's cobbled together 4th and 5th verse, so you get some exposure to the last two verses that were later omitted from Charles Wesley's masterful carol. We'll follow the same general pattern. I will translate the idea into modern vernacular and then expand on the What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures in the line and prove it by quoting or referencing an appropriate scripture passage. But before we dive in, let's pray and ask the Lord to bless our study of this carol. Invocation: Loving Lord, we thank you for such a rich history of the church. For thousands of years your church has grown and your kingdom has spread. We can look to songs we sing today that were written hundreds of years ago and still find great and deep meaning in their words. Help us to be mindful of the things we sing and say. Help us to see the great meaning of this season and preach it to others with everything we are. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: Well, let's get to the verse that we all know. I.) The gospel is at the center of this Christmas carol, so we must sing it as though we were preaching it. a. [Slide 2] Hark! The herald angels sing, i. What does this mean: 1. Hark is an interjection. It is calling those present to listen closely. 2. No, the angel's name is not herald. 3. Rather this is the job of the angels who pronounced the birth of Jesus the Messiah. 4. In the song they are said to Sing this to the shepherds. 5. So, in our modern vernacular it would be – Listen up, the Angels are singing a proclamation from God. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. When God has an announcement for us to listen to, He often prefaces the statement with something to get our attention. Like Behold. Or Truly Truly. Or Thus says the Lord God. 2. Although in Luke 2 we do see the angels announce this news – we do not have any record in the New Testament that they sang this news. It actually says they shouted. b. “Glory to the newborn King; i. What does this mean: 1. Glory means to give praise that is due to an important person. 2. Newborn King is self-explanatory 3. “Give the honor due to this child because he is THE KING ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. All the way back in II Samuel 7, God promised David that a King from his line would sit on the throne forever. 2. And in Luke 1:32-33 the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would inherit the throne of His father David. c. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, i. What does this mean: 1. Peace here refers to the cessation of hostilities between two warring parties. 2. This is contrasted with the second phrase where this cessation of hostilities is instituted by this child who is merciful and humble – bringing salvation to sinners. 3. “Forgiveness and Rightness with God comes from this baby” ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. Isaiah 53 teaches that the first coming of the Messiah, Yahweh's Servant, will be meek and mild, a sacrifice for sinners. 2. Not coming as someone who would be esteemed highly. d. God and sinners reconciled!” i. What does this mean: 1. Reconciliation is when two parties settle up a dispute. All debts are paid. 2. This dispute, we are told in the song, is between God and sinners. 3. God and Sinners square. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. The dispute we have with God is that He made us to be His worshippers but we have rebelled against Him both in Adam and in our own sin. Gen 3 and Eph 2 and Rom 1-3 2. Yet God has made promises to preserve a remnant and save His people from their sins. 3. Christ then, meek and mild King, is the instrument to settle all the debts. e. Joyful, all ye nations rise, i. What does this mean: 1. Joyful is the attitude or the manner that is being commanded. 2. Nations rising is indicating the global nature of this announcement. 3. All the world get up and be joyful ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. Throughout the Old Testament, God desired Israel to be a light to the nations. 2. And in the prophets we see promises that the Messiah will finally succeed in what Israel was tasked to do. 3. The nations will be reclaimed as Yahweh's 4. And God ruling the nations will be praised and rejoiced in because the gentiles will be adopted into God's family too. f. Join the triumph of the skies; With th'angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” i. What does this mean: 1. This is what the nations are told to do. They are told to join the triumph. 2. What triumph? 3. It is actually going all the way back to the beginning of the song. The announcement being made about the triumph of God over sin and peace on earth. 4. How? By the Messiah being born this day in Bethlehem. 5. So joyfully the nations are to rise up and announce the same message that the angels are announcing to the shepherds. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. We see this happen in the New Testament. 2. The Gentiles not only inherit the gospel and become grafted into the promise of the Israelites, but they now become the heralds announcing the coming of the King. 3. A King who was born, lived, died, was raised, and ascended. All to save sinners and reconcile them to God. g. Summary of the Point: The first verse of this carol is nothing short of the gospel message. It is the announcement that Christ has come to make us right with God and change the world forever. Now not just Jews, but all the nations will rise up and announce this message as the world shifts and the Kingdom of God expands. So, as we sing this verse – we must recognize the potent dose of gospel truths being conveyed in a few seconds. And as we sing it out, we fulfill the words of this opening verse to joyfully join the triumph the angels sang about that Christmas night 2000 years ago. Transition: Let us move to the two verses not included in our hymnal. I.) Deep doctrine of redemption is found in this carol, so we must sing it as though we were preaching it. a. [Slide 3] Come, Desire of nations, come, i. What does this mean: 1. To be the desire of nations is to be the one thing that will truly fix the world. The one King that will bring everything back to what it is supposed to be. 2. This is, of course, the work of the Kingdom Christ began at His incarnation and will be completed when He returns to set up His Kingdom on the New Earth. 3. Come, one who will fix everything, Come! ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. We referenced psalm 2 just last week. 2. The eternally begotten Son of God - Jesus the Messiah, is this one that the nations must kiss lest He be angry and pour His wrath out on them. 3. Christ came first as a meek and mild child but will one day return as a conquering King. 4. The nations would be wise to kiss the son. To welcome Him. To pay homage to Him. 5. He is… after all… their only hope. b. Fix in us Thy humble home; i. What does this mean: 1. To fix is to establish something. 2. A home would be a residence. Humble of course meaning meager or unworthy. 3. Establish in us a little hovel for You to dwell in. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. This probably doesn't reference God living or dwelling with us in the New Kingdom. Although that could be it. 2. Givin the context this no doubt refers to the coming of the Spirit of God to indwell those who are partakers of the New Covenant which is inaugurated in the blood of Christ. 3. This is foretold in Isaiah 44 and Joel 2 where God tells the Israelites that He will pour out His Spirit… ON ALL OF THEM. 4. In the New Testament we are explicitly told that the Holy Spirit indwells all who believe by true faith. c. Rise, the woman's conqu'ring Seed, i. What does this mean: 1. Rise again means to come out and do something. 2. A seed is an offspring or a child. 3. Come conquering child of the woman ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. This is pulled straight from the protoevangelium, or the first gospel announcement given by God Himself in Genesis chapter 3. 2. After the fall of mankind, God promises that unto the Woman he would give an offspring that would undo what had been done in the fall. 3. This offspring would be at odds with the offspring of the serpent or the children produced by the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve, which was instigated by the serpent in the garden of Eden 4. Revelation 12:9 identifies the serpent as none other than the Devil, or Satan himself. 5. This harmonizes texts like Ephesians 2; John 8; and 1 John 3:12 which identify people who act like Satan as his children or belonging to him. 6. This sets up the idea that there are two families. The family of God and the family of Satan. The Family of Satan is the family we are all born into because of the fall of Adam. 7. God creates a new family, through seed of the woman, in which we can be adopted. More on that in a bit. d. Bruise in us the serpent's head. i. What does this mean: 1. The serpent's influence is truly IN us. 2. Otherwise, this is fairly self-explanatory. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. The term used in the Genesis promise is to strike, bruise, or crush. 2. Although many preachers have made the connection that Christ bruises his heel while crushing the head of the serpent – the scriptures do not overtly teach this. 3. But it is a logical and theological possibility. 4. Certainly, Paul says that if the forces of darkness knew that His death would lead to the salvation of His people, they wouldn't have done it. 5. The song references the destruction of Satan's power over us and the cessation of his claim on us as his children. e. Now display Thy saving power, Ruined nature now restore; Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine. i. The rest of verse 4 goes on to speak of our restoration and salvation. ii. These are excellent lines, but Whitfield saw the next verse communicate similar teachings and decided to combine it together. iii. Still these words do add some to the meaning of the song. iv. But we'll have to cover them more deeply another time. f. [Slide 4] Adam's likeness, Lord, efface, i. What does this mean: 1. To efface something is to erase it. It is to undo something. 2. Adam's likeness refers to Adam as our first representative and how we have inherited his sin from him. 3. Erase the original sin of Adam from us ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. Although it has been attacked in recent years, the doctrine of Original Sin has been held to by the church since the beginning. 2. If something else were taught in scripture then we should cast the teaching aside. However, Romans 5, Ephesians 2 and many other passages seem to establish this doctrine not only as plausible but as orthodox. 3. Adam was our representative being the first man created. Because of his failure, we inherit the sin-disease through his line. 4. Seeing it this way helps us to understand the scriptures when they seem to paint our problem of sin beyond even just our own personal sin. National sins and even sins that we didn't commit but inherit culpability in. Even our sinfulness before we seem to be able to willfully commit sin (ie babies crying for no reason or crying when nothing is actually wrong) These all make sense when we understand sin as something like a hereditary spiritual disease. 5. This also explains and expands the teaching of the virgin birth, keeping Jesus from inheriting this same sin nature. By being born of a virgin, he is not technically a son of Adam. Truly and completely human, but not from Adam's line. Therefore, He is a second human representative. g. Stamp Thine image in its place: i. What does this mean: 1. To stamp an image is relatively clear. 2. Instead of Adam's likeness, give us your likeness God. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. As a New Adam, all under Christ's headship and representation inherit a new name, a new nature, and a new birth. 2. They are put into a new family and made into a new person. 3. The old has passed away and the new has come. h. Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love. i. What does this mean: 1. These last two lines we'll take together. 2. The first Adam was formed from the dust and given life by the breath of God. 3. The Second Adam was conceived by the Holy Spirit in dust (in Mary's womb). 4. He is not from earth as the first Adam was. He is from above. A true man… but with a different fountainhead. 5. Adam was once fully in the love and grace of God. He was sinless and in right standing with God. 6. The song asks for Christ to reconcile us to God… which provides bookends between the first verse and the last. ii. What doctrine is this showing us from the Scriptures: 1. This is the primary work of the second Adam. 2. Christ becomes our second representative both passively and actively. 3. Actively he did what Adam did not. He kept the whole law of God without sin. 4. Passively he paid for what Adam could not. He accepted the penalty for human sin by suffering the full wrath of God as a human. 5. 2 Corinthians 5 says that He became sin who knew no sin that we might become the righteousness of God. 6. He is a perfect substitute not only for us but for Adam, our first representative. 7. He alone is capable of returning us to the relationship we had with God in the garden… and even making that relationship closer, since we are now not just a created being of God's, but actually His children. i. Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Thee, the Life, the inner man: O, to all Thyself impart, Formed in each believing heart. i. This is the rest of verse 5 which goes on to say similar things to what has been said already. j. Summary of the Point: Once again we must notice that the gospel is on display in these verses. And in these last two verses – the gospel is explained in rich and full theological detail. Details that are not found in the shallow end of the pool. This is well beyond the Sunday School answers of “Jesus died because He loved us.” But rather the representation of a Second Adam taking our place and restoring humanity's hope. Such are the words of this Christmas Carol. And when we sing it, we preach the gospel to one another and all who hear it. Make sure that you do that from now on. Conclusion: [Slide 5] I can think of no better application than to have the praise team come and we can sing this carol together. We'll sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing/King of Heaven but with one minor modification. We will add verse 4, which is the cobbled together verses 4 and 5 of Charles Wesley's original carol. You sing with us and sing it loud, knowing that you sing, you announce, you preach… the gospel of Jesus Christ in this carol. Benediction: May the God who humbled Himself to take on human flesh Who was wounded for our transgressions and chastised for our peace May the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace Bring to you a season of hope as you celebrate His birth and look ahead to His return Until We meet again… Go in peace.

21st December 2025 Hark The Herald Angels Sing by Robertson Anglican Church

A mysterious philanthropist spent more than 25 years handing out cash anonymously around Kansas City at Christmastime. Music in this Episode"I Knew A Guy" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech"Elegy for Manush" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive"The Agency Man" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive"Velvet Ladder" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive"Soft Piano Music" — Clavier Music, via Pixabay"A Very Brady Special" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" — Unnamed Artist, via PixabayOrder your copy today! Of Christmases Long, Long AgoConnect with Me Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com BooksOf Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)

4th Sunday of AdventScripture Lesson: John 1:4-9

Listen up, because there's good news to be heard!

Classic Christmas songs point us back to the Old Testament's expectations of Jesus: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," or "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus." Let's not ignore the foundation of God's promises that Jesus came to stand on! With Matthew's Gospel, the Bible introduces Jesus as the long-awaited, much-anticipated Fulfiller of God's promises. We're excited for you to join us this Sunday as we look to Jesus together in Matthew 1:1-17.

Exploring the urgency behind the Christmas carol "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," this message uses the acronym HARK to break down the arrival of divine nature into a fallen world. Pastor Colin challenges listeners to move beyond passive hearing and offer a required response of worship, surrender, and active faith.

Send us a textLaura Branigan & Christmas: A Powerful Holiday VoiceIn this episode, we delve into a lesser-known yet profoundly moving aspect of Laura Branigan's artistry. While Laura is widely recognized for her iconic '80s hits like “Gloria” and “Self Control,” her holiday recordings unveil a more intimate, reverent, and emotionally resonant vocalist.Laura's seasonal performances, though never released as a full commercial Christmas album, have become cherished by her fans and a treasure trove for those who discover her extraordinary talent. Her performances are filled with vocal purity, spiritual depth, and classic holiday warmth.

Last week, Pastor Marcus encouraged us to both ponder (think intellectually) and treasure (engage emotionally) the coming of Christ. In this weeks message, Pastor Marcus unpacks the mystery of the incarnation through Charles Wesley's beloved hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." Drawing from John 1, he reveals how Jesus—the living Word—stepped into our story not just to save us, but to make himself knowable. Through vivid examples from C.S. Lewis to Dorothy Sayers, Pastor Marcus answers the question, "what difference does the incarnation of God make?" By displaying God's choice to dwell among us transforms our understanding of suffering and offers unprecedented comfort.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing December 21st, 2025, Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio To support the ministry of the church, please click here: https://groveportumc.org/give/

What's happening this morning: Carol: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing . Scene 1: Mary Carol: O Come All Ye Faithful Scene 2: Joseph Carol: O Little Town of Bethlehem Scene 3: Shepherds and Angels Carol: Angels From the Realms of Glory Scene 4: Star-Watchers Carol: On That Very First Christmas Scene 5: His Christmas Present to You Carol: Silent Night Carol: Joy to the World Join us for free food and fun in the gym!

It is the season for Christmas carols, but are we really listening to what we're singing? Beyond the nostalgic melodies and cozy feelings, the Christmas songs filling our playlists carry deep, powerful, and often overlooked truths about who Jesus is and why His coming changes everything.n this special Christmas episode, we go beyond the surface of popular carols like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" to uncover the rich theology woven into every line of songs we sing during Christmas. Whether you're gathered around the piano, driving to see family, or wrapping gifts with a holiday playlist on, this conversation will help you hear and sing these timeless songs with fresh wonder, deeper understanding, and renewed worship.Read more: https://kuzaapp.com/how-to-flourish-in-the-festive-season-as-a-follower-of-jesus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuzaappInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuzaappTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kuzaappBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kuza--3674993/support.

Anna and Jeffrey host an Add to Playlist Yuletide special. They are joined by jazz musician and songwriter Joe Stilgoe and baroque recorder player Heidi Fardell to pick apart five cracking festive tracks, from Sleigh Ride to the Carol of the Bells.Producer: Jerome Weatherald Presented with musical direction by Jeffrey Boakye and Anna PhoebeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Sleigh Ride by Ella Fitzgerald Sinfonia from The Christmas Oratorio by J S Bach Carol of the Bells by The Sixteen, written by Mykola Leontovych and Peter Wilhousky Step into Christmas by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Feliz Navidad by José FelicianoOther music in this episode:Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by The Torero Band Sleigh Ride by the Boston Pops Orchestra Sleigh Ride by The Andrews Sisters Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes Christmas Oratorio Pt 1 by J S Bach Shchedryk by Mykola Leontovych Ho! Ho! Ho! (Who'd Be a Turkey at Christmas) by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Elton John Maoz Tzur by The Maccabeats Yalda by Hossein Tavakoli

Hark the Herald Angels Sing, arr. Houlihan by Trinity College

Did you know two of the greatest Christians in church history fought over the song, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing? The reason might surprise you, but it carries a vital Christian lesson.  Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer learn more..Scripture Used in Today's MessageLuke 2:8-14To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher

Classic Christmas songs point us back to the Old Testament's expectations of Jesus: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," or "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus." Let's not ignore the foundation of God's promises that Jesus came to stand on! With Matthew's Gospel, the Bible introduces Jesus as the long-awaited, much-anticipated Fulfiller of God's promises. We're excited for you to join us this Sunday as we look to Jesus together in Matthew 1:1-17.

The Daily Bible Reading Podcast is a production of Cokesbury Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Visit us online at cokesbury.tv.Today's reading is Colossians 1:15-20Today's song is “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” Listen on Spotify or Apple Music. Listen to the full Daily Bible Reading Advent Playlist on Spotify or Apple Music. Subscribe to our Daily Bible Reading Emails at https://my.cokesbury.tv/OnlineReg/940Subscribe to our Weekly Sermons at https://cokesbury.tv/media

3rd Sunday of AdventScripture Lesson: John 1:1-3, 14

Inspired by the angels' appearance to the shepherds in Luke 2, Charles Wesley composed this hymn about the Savior King. We zoom in on this hymn with one important question in mind: How does it help us see Jesus?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus came so long after Genesis 3? “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing” has the line “late in time, behold him come.” We know that Jesus isn't one of those folks who has a hard time getting out the door on time. So why wait? Could it be that Jesus coming down was Plan B? Let's think about that possibility. I mean we do see this elaborate system of worship in the Old Testament. Worship was done in a particular place and in a particular way. Leviticus is an entire book dedicated to outlining Sabbath as well as daily worship. There were daily sacrifices, thanksgiving offerings, sin offerings, vows, things that took place, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, as well as a litany of health regulations and prescriptions for daily life. All of this was meant to guide and maintain a relationship with God. There was an entire tribe of people who's sole job was to help the people maintain that relationship, helping them sacrifice, teaching them, maintaining their temple, and even helping them with some of their physical disease as well.   Why have this entire system that, at the end of the day, according to verse 11 of our text, “can never take away sins?” Was this a system that if the people just did it a little bit more faithfully it would have worked but since they didn't Jesus swoops down and just does it? Is Jesus like a parent trying to let their child do something on their own, realize it is never going to happen, and just does it for them?   No. God knows everything. God plans everything from before the beginning of the world. Acts 2:23 tells us this: “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” It was always the plan that Jesus would die for the sins of the world. But in order for us to understand what that actually means we need the Old Testament to compare Jesus' sacrifice to. It is like trying to point out the difference between a million and a billion. A million seconds is 11.5 days. That's a while! But a billion seconds? Why that's over 31 years! I've only been alive for a little bit longer than a billion seconds.   In the same way, we look at Jesus' ministry and ultimately dying on the cross and ask, “What am I really seeing here?” The Old Testament is the background to that answer, and for today, we will look at the office of Old Testament priests. That is what we are going to look at today when we see that Jesus is the ultimate priest. Jesus as priest makes us perfect.

In this sermon we look at Luke 2 and talk about the historical event of the birth of Jesus, the event that redefines all history; past, present and future.For more teaching, visit citizenscharlotte.com/teaching

Caregiving is relentless. The needs don't pause, the stress doesn't politely wait, and the temptation to put ourselves last feels almost virtuous. But in this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I push back on a lie many of us live with: that our health is expendable. Joined by my longtime friend and health coach Dale Richardson, we talk candidly about weight, stress eating, and the quiet ways caregivers drift into unhealthy patterns, especially during the holidays. This isn't about shame, gimmicks, or willpower. It's about intentionality. I share my own journey, losing weight, gaining it back during months in the hospital with Gracie, and then recommitting again, not out of vanity, but out of necessity. I'm no good to my wife if I'm fat, broken, and miserable. That hard truth drives everything. Dale helps reframe food not as comfort, reward, or failure, but as fuel. Emotional eating isn't a moral flaw. It's often a stress response. The question isn't "Why am I weak?" but "What am I carrying?" Caregivers already know the answer. We talk about simple, sustainable choices: • Eating with a plan, especially at holidays • Understanding portions without demonizing food • Why "starting over Monday" keeps us stuck • The value of accountability that doesn't condemn • Staying active in real life, not just gyms and step counters We also explore why community matters. Lone-ranger caregiving is dangerous. Having someone who understands the weight you carry, and walks with you toward healthier choices, can change everything. The episode closes with a reminder grounded in Advent hope and the hymn Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Christ did not come for people who had it together. He came for the weary, the burdened, and the broken. That includes caregivers. You don't accidentally get healthy. But with intention, support, and grace, you can move toward strength, not just for yourself, but for those who depend on you. Healthy caregivers make better caregivers. Your future self, and your loved one, will thank you. The 2026 Caregiver Calendar is now available! Click for more information!

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE? It's a story that starts at the beginning of time. In this episode of Jesus Stories, we tell the entire story of Christmas. What happened in the beginning which created the need for Jesus to come to earth? How did that happen? (Yes, the familiar story you've heard all your life, maybe!) What does it mean for you and me today? How does Jesus brings us new life, reconciliation, and salvation? Without this coming we would still be looking for those life-giving attributes. SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE: Genesis 1:1-2; 2:1; 1:26-28; 2:15-17 Genesis 3:1-13; 23 Isaiah 9:1-5 Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah 9:6-7 Micah 5:2-5 Luke 1:11-17 Luke 1:26-38 Luke 2:1-7 Luke 2:8-20 1 Corinthians 15:22 Romans 5:6-11 John 3:16-17 MUSIC USED IN THIS EPISODE: O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles), attributed to John Francis Wade. Performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale I Come to the Garden Alone, by C. Austin Miles. Performed by Praise and Harmony TV. https://youtu.be/FxPXJmUqkaA O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel), M. Neale. Performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale Away in a Manger, attributed by Martin Luther. Performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale O Little Town of Bethlehem, by Phillips Brooks. Performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale Hark the Herald Angels Sing, by Charles Wesley. Performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale What Child is This?, by William Chatterton Dix. Performed by the Robert Shaw Chorale Why Did My Savior Come to Earth?, by J.G. Dailey. Performed by the West London ICOC. FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ X: https://X.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JesusStoriesthePodcast/podcasts We're on most of the podcast platforms. Just don't forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Today John takes us inside one of the richest carols ever written, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and unpacks the deep meaning behind Wesley's lyrics. From ancient words like welkin to the difference between chronos and kairos to what it really means that God took on flesh, this episode is an invitation to pay attention again. If you need peace, hope, healing, or a reminder that God is with you today, this one is going to speak right to your heart.

Makers Church is a diverse community committed to following Jesus and loving people. No matter where you are in your faith journey, you are welcome at Makers Church. As a Christ-centered, Bible-believing church, we exist to make on earth as it is in heaven by developing and commissioning followers of Jesus Christ to love God and love others•Subscribe to our channel for fresh content to keep you connected at Makers Church and inspired all week long. •GIVE US A FOLLOWWebsite: https://www.makerschurch.orgMakers Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakersChurchMakers Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerschurchSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/18RJPfsfH9zZxck4MTEXDI

Jesus didn’t just come to teach us or inspire us; He came to reconcile us to God. In this Advent episode, Nicole explores Hark! The Herald Angels Sing—one of the most beloved Christmas hymns—and reveals how richly it is woven with Scripture. With more than 34 direct biblical references, Charles Wesley’s hymn is far more than a seasonal melody; it is a sweeping declaration of the Gospel. Nicole walks listeners through the incarnation, reconciliation, new birth, and the cosmic hope that Jesus brings. From Luke 2’s angelic announcement to Romans 5’s explanation of reconciliation, this episode unpacks why this hymn is actually a lyrical theology lesson celebrating Christ’s mission to redeem humanity. Main Takeaways: Why this Christmas hymn is actually a full retelling of the Gospel message How Luke 2 connects to the angels’ proclamation of peace and joy What “God and sinners reconciled” truly means according to Romans 5 The significance of Christ “laying His glory by” and becoming fully God and fully man Why being “born again” is the heart of the Christmas message How Jesus brings spiritual life that cannot die—even when our physical bodies do

Have you ever sung a Christmas song for years only to realize you didn't actually know what it meant? This message dives into “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and Philippians 2 to uncover the wonder behind the words and how knowing them can lead us to worship Jesus, our humble King.

2nd Sunday of AdventScripture Lesson: Philippians 2:5-11

JJ Uys

We continue our Advent Series as Tique begins the Conversation looking at the theme of Peace through the lens of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and Luke 2:8-12.

This second week of Advent draws our attention to the hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as heaven announces the arrival of the long-awaited Seed of the Woman. God has come near—born to live with us that we might live with Him. What we desire most is not found in circumstance or possession, but in the person of Christ. He Himself is our treasure—our portion forever.

Heaven and Nature Sing, Hark the Herald Angels Sing: Matt Metzger | December 7th, 2025