Hear the Angels Sing

Here's something that struck my attention during the candle light service tonight:

When Charles Wesley wrote Hark the Herald Angels Sing in 1739, he had the angels proclaim:

"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"

And what did Wesley think should be the consequences of that messages?

Joyful, all ye nations rise. The Prince of Peace had come.

When Wesley wrote that hymn, England was going through a desperate, hopeless time. Unemployment, poverty, illness, alcoholism, and crime were widespread. Wesley and his brother, John, believed the answer for their nation was Christ's life-changing message. Changed lives would bring a changed nation.

Wesley's Christmas song rang true: Light and life to all He brings.

Some historians have written that England didn't have a revolution (as did France) mainly because of the message the Wesleys preached and sang.

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 the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"