Some time ago, wise-and-insightful blogger Michele Morin (over at Living Our Days) shared that she was journaling through some of the old hymns. Isn’t that a brilliant idea?
I imagined her digging into the meaning of some of the rich language and theology, personalizing the truths, and/or using them as the basis for prayer.
Most often we sing through the lyrics so quickly we miss their full significance. But if we intentionally slow our thinking by putting pen or pencil to paper, we make room for wonderful blessings to emerge—blessings like increased understanding of God and his Word, renewal of the mind, and augmented intimacy with God.
Our contemplations can become worship.
So far I’ve journaled through seven hymns. For Advent I chose to contemplate a Christmas carol: Charles Wesley’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” which offers both rich language and theology. (The story behind the song is also interesting. You can read it here: “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.”)
Over the next three weeks we’ll savor the three best-known verses of this carol. No doubt you’re familiar with the first:
My journaled prayer included the following.
“Hark!” the hymn writer begins, inviting me to listen with close attention. His lyrics take me back in time to that night when angels declared life-transforming news for those who embrace it:
A new King has been born—a king like no other (1)!
That’s YOU, Lord Jesus. You are the Prince of Peace, the One who offers inner tranquility to all who desire it (2), and universal, all-encompassing peace when the new heaven and the new earth are established (3).
I praise You, O Christ, for Your comforting peace
that steadies me and gives me hope.
You’re the One who bestows mercy—tender-hearted forgiveness—when I confess the wrongs I’ve committed. You’re the One who put ultimate mercy into action by “being obedient to God and dying a criminal’s death on a cross” (4).
I praise You, O Christ, for your unceasing mercy.
You have not punished me
the way I deserve, and You never will.
You’re the One who reconciled me to God (5). First, You chose to do the unthinkable, to die in my place and pay the penalty for every sin I commit.
Then You restored my broken relationship with God, as I put my trust in You and accepted Your free gift of eternal life. Because of You, I have right standing with God and access into His presence at any time.
I praise You, O Christ, for your unimaginable sacrifice,
making the impossible possible.
For all these blessings (and so much more) I rise up with Jesus-followers from around the world to sing joyful praise to You (6)!
Our voices join those of the angels to give you glory (7)–celebrating Your attributes, rejoicing in Your excellent works, and taking pleasure in the privilege of being sons and daughters of Almighty God.
I praise You, O Christ, for leaving the wonders of heaven
to be born in the humble village of Bethlehem
and live among ignoble humanity—
all for our benefit.
I praise You, O Christ, for the incredible FREE gift
of eternal ecstasy in paradise with You.
And I praise You for being my compassionate Christ,
my glorious Emancipator, and my powerful King!
Notes:
- Revelation 1:5-6
- Romans 5:1
- 2 Peter 3:13
- Philippians 2:8 TLB
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
- Psalm 67:4
- Psalm 148:11-13
Photo credits: http://www.pxhere.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.openclipart.com and http://www.canva.com; http://www.negativespace.com (3); http://www.publicdomainpictures.net.
From the Inside Out 