Glory to God in the Highest

Glory to God in the Highest.  It is surprising that the first mention of singing in the Old Testament was not in the Garden of Eden, or at the end of the flood, or with the birth of Isaac, but when Moses sang his song of deliverance, dry, on the east shore of the Red Sea. It is very surprising that the first mention of singing in the New Testament was not at the birth of Jesus, or by the angels, or with the shepherds, but when Paul and Silas sang hymns at midnight in the Philippian jail. To be fair, the first biblical reference to song does not imply the invention or the commencement of singing but rather its emphasis. Probably a lot of singing occurred among biblical characters, but the Scriptures highlight their words over their melodies. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2:13-14).

On that note, have you recently noticed the words of our songs? More than the melodies, drum lines, guitar riffs, and creative transitions between verses, what are the words? In our Christmas hymns, for instance, we sing some truly epic words, many of which quote or paraphrase Bible verses! Even walking along Aisle 18 at Walgreens® we often hear the house music in December amplifying songs that the historic church has written about and for Jesus. Take another listen to the words that fill our Christmas carols before December slips away.

O come, O come Emmanuel / And ransom captive Israel / That mourns in lonely exile here / Until the Son of God appear.

Hark the herald angels sing / Glory to the newborn King / Peace on earth and mercy mild / God and sinners reconciled.

O come let us adore Him / Christ the Lord.

Fall on your knees / O hear the angel voices.

No ear may hear His coming / But in the world of sin / Where meek souls will receive Him still / The dear Christ enters in.

Silent night, holy night / Son of God, love’s pure light.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through / The cross be borne for me for you / Hail, hail the Word made flesh / The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come / Let earth receive her King / Let every heart, prepare Him room / And heaven and nature sing.