Old Lyrics with Fresh Ears: God and Sinners Reconciled

I love Christmas music. I used to start listening to it in October, but my dear husband convinced me he “only has so much Christmas music in him” per year, so I’ve learned to accommodate. But in December, all bets are off. I’m partial to Bing Crosby and the Rat Pack, but also love a pretty wide variety, including old hymns.

I was recently listening to a modern version of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing in the van, and for some reason I heard it with fresh ears. I don’t know about you, but this is one of those Christmas songs I’ve sung in church since I was born, and sometimes when that happens the lyrics sort of lose their meaning.

If you read the lyrics to this song, you’ll find these things being said about newborn Jesus: He brings light, life, and healing to all. He brings peace and mercy. He’s the Prince of Peace and the Son of Righteousness. He makes the nations joyful. He was born that man no more may die. And finally, through him, God and sinners are reconciled.

  That’s a big deal, being reconciled with God. Without Jesus, our sin alienates us from perfect, holy God. With Jesus, our relationship is restored and made right with God. And once restored, God is free to start molding us into the image of Christ so we can walk in partnership with him and live out our lives as the Holy Spirit guides—which is always the best way.

As we run around during the next couple weeks preparing for whatever festivities we have planned, let’s crank up some Christian Christmas music and use it to get our minds and hearts focused on the point of this busy season—celebrating Jesus’ birth. The birth that single-handedly changed the course of human history. The birth that reconciled us so we could walk in right relationship with God himself, despite our flaws and failures.

God and sinners reconciled.

What sweet, sweet words.

What a gracious, loving God to offer us a rescue plan in the form of Jesus. Now that’s something to celebrate this Christmas.

What is one of your favorite Christmas songs this year? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading, and I pray you have a wonderful Christmas season. And if you need a quick gift idea, hop over to my “books” page — here you’ll find Christmas fiction, middle grade fiction, and even a free historical fiction novella if you’ve reached your December budget! Merry Christmas! :)