Light Has Come: The Advent Message of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”Sample

Verse 2: The Mystery of the Incarnation

Now the hymn shifts from proclamation to mystery—the mystery of God becoming flesh: “Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold Him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb.”

These lines abound with theology. First, we’re reminded that Jesus is eternal—He existed long before Bethlehem. This is confirmed in John 1:1 (ESV), “In the beginning was the Word.” “Late in time” reflects Galatians 4:4 (ESV), where Paul writes, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son.” In other words, God chose the perfect moment in history to step into it.

Then comes an astonishing statement, “offspring of the virgin’s womb.” It’s poetic and miraculous. No one else in history was born this way. This one phrase affirms both Christ’s divine origin and the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 7:14).

The verse continues, “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity.” This is a poetic reframing of Colossians 1:15 (ESV) and 2:9 (LSB), Jesus is “the image of the invisible God,” and “in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily.” He didn’t just send a messenger; He came Himself.

Then comes a line that always warms my heart, “Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel.” Not only did God choose to be with us, He was pleased to do so. He delighted in entering our world, not reluctantly, but lovingly. This isn’t a distant God tolerating humanity; this is “God with us,” eager to redeem and restore.

When you feel unworthy, unlovable, or unseen, remember this line. Jesus wanted to be with us. The incarnation isn’t just doctrine—it’s divine affection in action.