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 the angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” – Charles Wesley

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The Advent Gospel will not be taken seriously if we are not convinced that people are lost in sin and need the Saviour Jesus Christ (Matt 1:21). The Gospel truth is that people are unable to save themselves. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE for the world.

The greatest love verse reveals God’s love for sinners, and this is an important aspect of love at Christmas (Jn 3:16-17). The name “JESUS” is the Greek form of the Hebrew word “Yeshua”, meaning “The Lord saves.” Advent is about the Good News of spiritual salvation through Jesus. The hope, joy, peace, and love of Christmas are God’s hope, joy, peace, and love for sinners.

The angel’s words to Joseph and Mary remind us “She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21).

The Bible states that sinners are alienated from God and enemies in their minds by wicked work, yet God has provided reconciliation through Christ’s birth, death and resurrection. Charles Wesley aptly declared in one of his hymns, “Hark! The herald angels sing. Glory to the newborn King, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” The problem and danger of singing this particular hymn every year is that ‘those words might roll off our tongues with hardly a thought. In fact, many secular choirs sing this famous hymn of Charles Wesley at this time of year without even pausing to wonder what “God and sinners reconciled!” actually means.’

Beloved, are you reconciled with God through Jesus Christ?

REPENT TODAY.