Title: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel
Series: Advent Devotionals 2025
Date: December 22, 2025
Bible: Colossians 1:15-20
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.
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