Hark the Herald Angels Sing

You just can't beat the theology in some of our most cherished Christmas carols. I challenge you to pay attention to the words as you sing them this year. I'll be posting a few in the days ahead, starting with "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

1. Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

2. Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th' incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

3. Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"


Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788; alt. by George Whitefield and others
Music: Felix Mendelssohn; arr. by William H. Cummings
Tune: ---, Meter: 77.77 D with Refrain

Christmas Party

Today was our 6th annual "niece and nephew Christmas Party". As our Christmas gift to the nieces and nephews, each year we throw a party that ends with some sort of activity that we all enjoy together. In attendance was Joe (17), Meghan (14), Kylie (10), Emily (9), Ethan (6), and Carissa (4). A fun time was had by all!

First we decorated Christmas ornaments



Then lunch (chicken nuggets and french fries, a classic) followed by a gingerbread cookie decorating contest.

















A quick round of the dice game for some candy prizes



Then off to the activity of the day---a hayride.











Of course, part of the fun was jumping off the wagon and getting back on again.





Time for a little rest (ohhhh, so cute).



The hayride was followed by some time around the campfire, warming up and enjoying apple cider and a few snacks (it was a balmy 24 degrees in our area today, which is a lot warmer than it was earlier in the week. We were grateful for that--24 degrees is much easier to take than, say, 6 degrees--but I guess you have to be from Minnesota to fully understand and appreciate that distinction).



Merry Christmas to the nieces and nephews. We love you all!