It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever over its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
O ye beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" is a beloved Christmas carol that has been covered by many artists over the years, including the Christian rock band Kutless. Their version of the song is featured on their album "This Is Christmas," which captures the heart and spirit of the holiday season.
The song opens with the line, "It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old." These words immediately transport us back to that holy night in Bethlehem, when the angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. The song reminds us of the angelic proclamation of "Peace on the earth, goodwill to men" and how the birth of Jesus brought hope and salvation to a broken world.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of awe and wonder at the miracle of Christ's birth. The lyrics describe the angels bending near the earth, touching their harps of gold, and singing their heavenly music. This imagery paints a vivid picture of the divine presence that surrounded the birth of Jesus, filling the air with celestial melodies.
As we listen to Kutless's rendition of the song, we can't help but be moved by the powerful message of peace and hope that it conveys. The song speaks directly to those who are burdened by life's trials and challenges, offering them comfort and rest. The lyrics say, "O ye beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow; look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing; oh rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing."
These words remind us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, there is always hope in Jesus. He is the one who can bring peace to our troubled hearts and give us strength to endure. The song encourages us to take a moment to rest and listen to the angels' song, allowing their heavenly music to fill us with peace and joy.
This theme of finding rest and hope in Jesus is reflected in several scripture verses. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
The song also reminds us of the angels' proclamation of peace on earth, which echoes the words of Luke 2:14 when the heavenly hosts declared, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" by Kutless is a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. It invites us to pause amidst the busyness of the season and reflect on the miracle of Christ's birth. The song encourages us to find rest and hope in Jesus, who brings peace to our troubled hearts and salvation to a broken world. As we listen to this timeless carol, may its message of peace and hope resonate within us and inspire us to share the love of Christ with others.
