Photo by Karren McPherson from Dawson Community Church.
I sometimes watch cooking programmes and, before the reputation of its main presenter was questioned, I have watched many BBC MasterChef programmes. I used to hear the term 'deconstruct' or 'deconstruction' used in the context of baking or cooking. For example, one contestant produced a deconstructed cheese cake. My dictionary is too old to contain this word, but the Cambridge Dictionary states that deconstruction is "the act of breaking something down into its separate parts in order to understand its meaning, especially when this is different from how it was previously understood."
I want to offer Day Share readers a deconstruction of the well-known Christmas hymn, "Hark! the herald-angels sing." I am not sure that I will say anything which is radically different from what you have heard many times. However, I hope we get a reminder of the important truths associated with advent and the Christmas message.
I suggest that there are three inter-linked and complementary themes as follows.
Intimation from Heaven - heaven's approval of the birth of Jesus Christ
Incarnation - explanation of the truth of God becoming flesh
Impact on mankind - what the incarnation means for the human race.
INTIMATION FROM HEAVEN - heaven's approval of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Throughout this carol, Charles Wesley and George Whitefield emphasised the heavenly approval of this humble birth into a peasant family in Bethlehem in Judea.
The birth is announced by herald-angels in song - Hark! the herald-angels sing'; the angelic host proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem.'
Heaven regards this birth as a victory - 'join the triumph of the skies.'
Jesus Christ is worshipped in heaven - 'Christ by highest heaven adored,'
Jesus Christ existed eternally prior to His birth in Bethlehem - 'Christ, the everlasting Lord.'
INCARNATION - explanation of the truth of God becoming flesh
Throughout my lifetime, I have quoted many phrases from this lovely hymn usually in prayers of thanksgiving and worship.
Jesus was born of a virgin - 'offspring of a virgin's womb!'
Jesus was God manifested in a human body - 'veiled in flesh the Godhead see !'; 'Hail, the incarnate Deity.'
Jesus was willing to inhabit our world and live as a fellow human being - 'pleased as man with man to dwell.'
Jesus was Immanuel - which means 'God with us.'
Jesus, so full of grace, stooped so low to come down from heaven to earth laying aside His glory - 'Mild He lays His glory by.'
Jesus was and is the Prince of Peace - Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace. This is a reference to Isaiah 9:6 - His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.'
Jesus was and is the Sun of righteousness - Hail, the Sun of righteousness ….. risen with healing in his wings.' This is a reference to Malachi 4:2 "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings." This is a reference to the future reign of Jesus the Messiah.
Jesus is the Light of the world and the Giver of Life. - 'Light and life to all He brings.' This probably refers to John 1:9 'The true light, which gives light to everyone was coming into the world.' (Also John 8:12 - 'I am the Light of the world.' The reference to life probably relates to John 3:16 and other passages in John's Gospel.
Jesus was and is full of grace - he stooped so low to come into our world - 'Mild He lays His glory by.' This is probably prompted by Philippians 2:6-8
IMPACT ON THE HUMAN RACE - The birth of Jesus brought great spiritual blessing to those who accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
I believe that we will never fully grasp what the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus achieved for the world. Sadly, this is only beneficial to those who believe in His name.
Reconciliation between a Holy God and sinful mankind - 'God and sinners reconciled.'
Eternal life is promised to those who believe in Him - 'born that man no more may die.' This is more than living for ever. It denotes a fullness of life - John 10:10b 'I came that they may have life and have it abundantly,'
His birth was so that humans could share His glory - 'born to raise the sons of earth.' John 17:24 "Father, I desire that they also, who you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me etc."
His birth and death made it possible for the new birth - for sinners to be born again - 'born to give them second birth.' John 3:3 "… unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'
A couple of footnotes.
I used to wonder at the phrase, 'late in time' but it probably relates to the letter to the Hebrews which states, "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son [Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV]. Jesus is God's final revelation to the world. The revelation is not in a book of rules or a set of standards - it is in the person of Jesus Christ. The 'late in time' refers to the generations which passed before the birth of the Saviour. This passage would merit at least on Day Share blog on its own.
Notice the use of the word 'mild' which seems to be associated with humility and gentleness - 'Peace on earth and mercy mild' and also 'Mild He lays His glory by.' This shows us how language is fluid and changes with the years. The word 'mild' might not be the word we would have chosen now to fit this description of Jesus in his condescension and coming down to earth. We might have used the word 'humble.'
Comments