The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death.
Isaiah 9:2 (WEB)
I found an old Christmas carol that I have never heard before. The man who wrote it simply added six words to every stanza of an existing familiar carol. When you see the line that he included it will all make perfect sense. Before I reveal the beautiful words to you I want you to think about the key verse.
Jesus is described throughout God’s Word as the Light of the world. Think of all of the passages from Genesis through Revelation where our Savior is referred to in this way. There are many.
Light is what mankind needs. Light dispels darkness so that we can’t hide our sin. Because of the Light of the world, we have mercy and grace. We are not condemned to a world of darkness.
Thank you, my Savior, for the warmth of Your beautiful Light that has provided for my redemption and for the redemption of all who call on your lovely name.
Enjoy reading each line of this old carol in a new way.

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Jesus, the Light of the World
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Jesus, the Light of the world;
glory to the newborn King,
Jesus, the Light of the world.
We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light;
come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright,
shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the Light of the world.
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Jesus, the Light of the world;
join the triumph of the skies,
Jesus, the Light of the world.
Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Jesus, the Light of the world;
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Jesus, the Light of the world.
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of peace!
Jesus, the Light of the world.
hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Jesus, the Light of the world. 1
Share this Good News in your world!
Merry Christmas!
- Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Jesus the Light of the World
Charles Wesley ca 1739
George Elderkin ca 1890 ↩︎
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
