But made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philipians 2:7 in 1753, George Whitefield published a song “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
Many changes to the lyrics have happened since these words were first penned verse 2 of the song says , “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’ incarnate Deity.” That’s a powerful affirmation the Jesus Christ, the Babe in the manger, was the Eternal God Himself. He was “born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.”
Christ’s absence from His heavenly home and presence in a stable in Bethlehem is history’s greatest mystery—the cause of the first Christmas. All we know is what the apostle Paul tells us: that Christ came to earth “in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). What a glorious gesture His leaving His home to come to earth! The fact that He would leave the glory of His heavenly home and make His home on earth for our sakes ... that is the heart of the Gospel. And that is what makes it possible for us to look forward to our own heavenly home with Him in the future. What a reason to rejoice! With Christmas just a week away, stop today to rejoice in Christ’s birth as the angels did. Together thank God for the birth of Christ that first Christmas. Praise Him for the salvation He freely gives us and for the joy we have because of Him. Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that we no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”
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