Musical Advent Calendar - Day 25

Each day, from December 1 to December 25, I will post the text (and translation, if necessary) of an Advent- or Christmas-themed song, along with the URL for a YouTube video containing that song. (Select "Musical Advent Calendar" from the list of labels in the right sidebar to sort all of them out from the other posts on the blog.) You will note that each selection has a text, collectively representing the last 2000 years, and this is intentional. For the more familiar texts (such as popular Christmas carols), I have chosen a variety of interpretations and performers, from professional choirs to contemporary Christian worship leaders. I suggest that you follow the text as the music plays, and reflect on the words that proclaim the First Advent of our Savior, the Lord Jesus.

May our King, who promises to come again, reveal himself to you in a new way this Advent.

 

I hope this Musical Advent Calendar has enhanced your preparations for today's celebration of the Birth of Christ. May you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas! - Eric

DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
 

Text by Charles Wesley (1739)
Hymn Tune: "Mendelssohn" by Felix Mendelssohn (1840), adapted by William H. Cummings (1856)
Performed by the choir, orchestra, and congregation of St. Paul's Cathedral, London.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDPwNPAV6tA

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 with the triumph of the skies
With th'angelic hosts proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem."
Hark! The herald angels sing: "Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by hightest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord.
Late in time behold him come, offspring of the virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail th'incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing: "Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heavenly Prince of Peace, hail the Son of Righteousness!
Life and light to all he brings, risen 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!"