With grateful thanks to a former organist of “The Mac” Church here in Bellshill, David Fisher, who is now organist at Orchardhill Church in Giffnock.
David and his choir recorded and prepared this Christmas Recessional during lockdown 2020 and due to David’s organ concert being cancelled it was more than appropriate to include David and his choir in our Christmas reflections.
Today we have chosen to highlight “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. It features an exhilarating melody written by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, and adapted by William Cummings, to lyrics originally penned by Charles Wesley, based on the Luke 2 account of the Birth of Jesus, and altered by his student, George Whitfield.
It is a privilege over the years to use wonderful arrangements of this Christmas Carol, by Sir David Willcocks and others, in Worship, and in concert; and have enjoyed listening to many recordings of it.“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus as Immanuel (“God With Us”) and presents many of the well-known names and descriptions of the Christ Child: Newborn King, Christ, Prince of Peace, Sun of Righteousness, Everlasting Lord, Incarnate Deity, Emmanuel; as well as His role in God’s Plan of Salvation: Bringer of Peace, Mercy, Reconciliation, Joy, Light, Healing and Life.
let us pray
Glory to You, O Lord, God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Glory to You, O Christ, our Newborn King!By the Light and Life You bring, reconciling sinners, be pleased to fix in us Your Humble Home, so that we too may join the triumph of the skies, where in Highest Heaven You are adored by saints and angels singing Your Praises, this day, on Christmas, and forever. Amen.
Bellshill Central Church 