“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)

Christ is born! 

For today’s devotional I’d like to wish you a merry Christmas! 

I’d also like to remind you of the good news of Jesus’ arrival—and in general of his life, death and resurrection—through the gospel-soaked words of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

It was written by Charles Wesley, an English teacher and pastor. One year he was walking to church and became inspired by the sound of London church bells. Originally a poem, and later adapted by George Whitefield, it captures the power and significance of Jesus’ birth.

Read the words slower than usual. Every line is jam-packed with biblical insight and beauty:

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 th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King.”

Christ, by highest 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 with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King.”

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 newborn King.”*

I pray your Christmas brings glory to the newborn King, and that the inn of your heart is an open door for him to do his work.

Note: Please also be reminded that this devotional is going on pause, returning after the Christmas break on January 5, 2026. Merry Christmas!

Notes:

-Vacation Alert: After Christmas, this devotional will be on pause (for Christmas holidays) and will return on January 5, 2026.

-*Words by Charles Wesley (1707-1788). Adaptation by George Whitefield.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.