Hark The Herald Angels Sing: Glory and Peace in Christ

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: Glory and Peace in Christ

Christmas is just around the corner. The waiting is almost over—especially for children eagerly counting down the days. In the midst of the busyness, decorations, gatherings, and anticipation, Advent invites us to slow down and refocus our hearts on the peace and hope that Christ brings. As part of our Thrill of Hope Advent series, we turn our attention to the beloved carol “

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

Written by Charles Wesley shortly after his conversion, this hymn overflows with joy and rich theology. Wesley, who wrote over 6,000 hymns, captured the wonder of the gospel in poetic form. Though the carol is beautiful, it is not Scripture. Instead, it serves as a tool—pointing us back to the perfect and authoritative Word of God, particularly Luke 2:8–14.

Listening to the Herald’s Announcement
The word hark means “listen” or “pay attention.” A herald was a royal messenger, someone sent to proclaim important news—often the arrival of a king. In this carol, the angels are the heralds, announcing the birth of Jesus Christ. This is not ordinary news; it is news that demands our attention.

Luke tells us that shepherds were out in the fields, watching their flocks by night—an ordinary scene that suddenly became extraordinary. An angel of the Lord appeared, the glory of God shone around them, and the shepherds were filled with fear. This response is common throughout Scripture when people encounter angels. Yet the angel’s message was not meant to terrify, but to bring joy.

“Fear not,” the angel said, “for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” This announcement reminds us that the coming of Christ is not something to dread. It is good news—joyful news—for the whole world.

The Savior Has Come
The angel declares that a Savior has been born in the city of David—Bethlehem. This child is Christ the Lord. Christ is not Jesus’ last name; it means Messiah, the long-awaited One God promised to send. Jesus came to save His people from their sins, to reconcile sinners to God, and to restore what was broken.

The carol captures this truth beautifully: “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Through Jesus, we are made sons and daughters of the King. God Himself has come near—Emmanuel, God with us.

Glory to God
As the angel finishes the announcement, the sky fills with a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” The birth of Jesus is ultimately about the glory of God. God acts for His glory because He alone is worthy—holy, loving, all-powerful, and faithful.
Throughout Scripture, God’s glory is revealed most fully in Jesus Christ. From His incarnation to His death on the cross, Jesus glorifies the Father. Even the suffering and sacrifice of the cross are displays of God’s glory, as redemption and love are made known.
Because God is glorified through Christ, our response as believers is to glorify Him as well. We do this through worship, obedience, gratitude, and faithful living. Scripture reminds us that whatever we do—whether we eat or drink or serve or speak—we are called to do it all for the glory of God.

Peace Has Come… and Is Still Coming
The angels also proclaim peace. Yet this peace can feel confusing. The world around us is still filled with conflict, pain, loss, and sorrow. What kind of peace did Jesus bring?
The peace Christ brings first is peace with God. Through faith in Jesus, we are justified and reconciled to God. Our greatest problem—our sin—has been dealt with at the cross. This brings deep, personal peace that anchors us even in difficult circumstances.
At the same time, Scripture teaches that peace is here, but not fully realized yet. Jesus has begun the work of restoring all things, but the final and complete peace will come when He returns. On that day, sin, death, and suffering will be no more. All creation will be restored, and God will dwell fully with His people.

Our Call as Peacemakers
While we wait for that final peace, believers are called to be peacemakers. Having received peace through Christ, we are to extend it to others—through love, reconciliation, truth, and sharing the gospel. Being a peacemaker does not mean avoiding truth, but lovingly pointing people to Jesus, the true Prince of Peace.

As we sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” this Christmas season, may we not grow numb to its message. Instead, may we be reminded of God’s glory, the peace Christ has brought, and our calling to live as people of hope—joyfully awaiting the day when Jesus returns and peace fills all creation.

Scripture References

• Luke 2:8–14
• Matthew 1
• Matthew 28
• John 1:14
• John 3
• John 3:16
• John 10:28
• John 12:23
• John 13:31–32
• Luke 19:40
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 5:1
• Romans 8
• 1 Corinthians 6:20
• 1 Corinthians 10:31
• Philippians 2:5–11
• Isaiah 2:4
• Isaiah 9:6–7
• Isaiah 11
• Isaiah 53:4–5
• Ezekiel 36:22–27
• Hebrews 9:13–14
• Revelation 20–21
• Matthew 5:9