All You Want for ChristmasНамуна

Angels From the Realms of Glory

“Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” - Hebrews 12:28

Think

While “Angels From the Realms of Glory” may not be a best-selling, popular hit among Christmas carols, it certainly has a theme worthy of this song being more widely known. Moving through a progression of people–from angels to shepherds, sages, and finally saints–the chorus calls everyone to “come and worship Christ, the newborn King.” With Jesus’ appearance on earth, each group now participates in something greater than what they have done previously.

Angels, who once sang at the creation of the universe, now proclaim the birth of the Messiah. Shepherds watching their sheep now can see God in human form. Sages pondering contemplative thoughts are encouraged to journey to see the Child for whom all nations have been waiting. Saints, those who believe and follow Jesus, worshiping at the altar, will someday see Christ coming again and will worship Him in person. Jesus, God coming to earth as a newborn baby, is worthy of all worship!

But there is another little-known verse with which the composer originally brought the song to completion. “Sinners, wrung with true repentance, doomed for guilt to endless pains, Justice now revokes your sentence, Mercy calls you; break your chains.” While this verse may be a bit of a Christmas downer, and it is understandable why it doesn’t appear in most songbooks, this heartfelt call to the person who has not yet transferred their trust from themselves to Jesus is an appropriate way to end this song.

The invitation is for everyone to worship this newborn King, yet only those who have accepted God’s offer of life and mercy through Jesus can truly worship Him. But there is good news! The person bound by sin and under the penalty of judgment can have their sentence revoked and be set free from their chains! Now, they can truly “come and worship Christ, the newborn King.”

Apply

What are you worshiping? Money, sex, family, spouse, career, power, self? The list of what we desire more than Jesus is endless. God has clearly stated that we should have no other gods before Him. Ask yourself, “Why do I love these other things more than I love God? What do I think they will give me more of than what God can give?” Take a moment to set aside what has become most important to you and give true worship to Jesus, the Messiah, the newborn King.

Pray

Dear God, forgive me for treating other things as more important than you. I want to worship you first and foremost as my King, the ruler over my life. Nothing I desire compares to you. This newborn baby grew to be my risen Savior, and I bow my knee, my heart, and my life to Him. Amen.

Author - Clint Shondelmyer serves as Lead Pastor at Pequea Baptist Church near Gap, PA. He is married to Tammy, has three adult children, and three hobbies – Steelers football, triathlons, and being Poppy to his three grandchildren.