Finish the verse
"Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King;...'" (Based on Luke 2:14)
"And peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"
This hymn, inspired by the author's visit to the birthplace of Jesus, directly references the town mentioned in Micah 5:2.
What is "O Little Town of Bethlehem"?
These humble figures, according to Luke 2, were the first to receive the angelic message and visit the newborn King.
Who are the shepherds?
The Gospel of Matthew quotes this prophet as predicting that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah (Micah 5:2).
What is the Book of Micah?
The angel told Joseph that Mary's son should be named this, "for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
What is Jesus?
"Joy to the World! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King;..." (Based on Psalm 98)
"Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing."
Charles Wesley's work contains the line, "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th'incarnate Deity," which summarizes the doctrine of the Incarnation.
What is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"?
Luke 2:7 states that Mary wrapped her baby in swaddling clothes and laid him in this feeding trough because there was no room in the inn.
What is a Manger?
This prophet contains the famous words cited by Matthew: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).
What is the Book of Isaiah?
This priest, the father of John the Baptist, was made temporarily unable to speak after doubting the angel Gabriel's message (Luke 1).
Who is Zechariah?
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.
This song's three verses describe the journey and gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—presented to the Messiah, as recorded in the Book of Matthew.
What is "We Three Kings"?
This Judean ruler, fearing the birth of a new King, ordered the horrific "slaughter of the innocents" in and around Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).
Who is King Herod?
This Hebrew name, prophesied by Isaiah, means "God with us," a title often used in Christmas hymns.
What is "Immanuel"?
This is the name of the angel who appeared to Mary to announce the impending birth of Christ (Luke 1:26).
Who is Gabriel?
"Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,... " (Inspired by Luke 2:13-14)
"For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born!"
This hymn uses ancient liturgical verses, known as the O Antiphons, which address Christ using prophetic titles like "Root of Jesse" and "Key of David," both found in the Book of Isaiah.
What is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"?
The Magi gave this aromatic gum resin, often burned as incense in worship, symbolizing Christ's role as High Priest and object of devotion.
What is frankincense?
The prophecy foretelling the coming of a king from Israel's lineage was delivered by Balaam in the Book of Numbers, referring to this astronomical symbol (Numbers 24:17).
What is a star out of Jacob?
This specific, Messianic title was given to the baby by the angel who appeared to the shepherds in the fields (Luke 2:11).
What is "Christ the Lord"?
"Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light"
"light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth."
When sung as a round with "Silent Night," this modern hymn takes on the theme of Advent by having the congregation wait, closing with the line, "Spirit we wait for your loving Son."
What is "Night of Silence"?
Following a warning from an angel in a dream, Joseph took Mary and the child to flee to this country to escape Herod's persecution (Matthew 2:13).
What is Egypt?
This Messianic title, used in the hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," is a reference to the father of King David found in Isaiah 11.
What is the Root of Jesse?
This righteous man in Jerusalem was promised he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ, an encounter recounted in Luke 2.
Who is Simeon?