Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
-From "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
The words above are likely familiar. But did you know that these lines were penned by Charles Wesley, one of the most famous hymn writers in the tradition of Christian hymnody? In four simple lines, the author encapsulates the power of the incarnation, resurrection, redemption, and eternal life. That's a lot of theology to pack into one verse of a Christmas carol!
But think about each line...
Mild He lays His glory by. That refers to Christ, the second person of the Trinity, leaving his heavenly position to become human, in great humility. (See Philippians 2)
Born that we may no more may die. That's the extraordinary gift of grace and forgiveness, so that sinners like us can be made righteous through the atoning death of Jesus Christ. (See Ephesians 1)
Born to raise the sons of earth. That refers to us, being united with Christ in his resurrection. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, we too have new life in Him. (See Romans 6) And at his second coming, when Christ returns to raise the dead, the amazing truth of this promise will be made complete. (See 1 Corinthians 15)
Born to give them second birth. That's us again! Dead to sin and alive to Christ, through the waters of Baptism, justification, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (See Romans 5)
All of this was part of the divine plan at the moment that the infant Jesus took his first breath on that cold night in Bethlehem. His birth set in motion the awesome chain of events that would reshape the human condition; and change the world forever.
Not bad for the last four lines of a Christmas jingle, eh?
God bless you!
Fr. Matthew
