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
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
For lo! the days are hastening on
By prophets seen of old
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, the King
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Video
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear by B.J. Thomas is a classic Christmas carol that has been loved and sung by many for generations.
Key Messages of the Song
The song begins with the lines "It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old." These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the arrival of something significant and the beauty of an ancient melody. The mention of midnight suggests a moment of stillness and quiet, as if the world is hushed in anticipation.
The next lines continue, "From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold." Here, the song introduces the idea of angels descending to earth, bringing with them their heavenly music. The image of angels playing harps of gold is a powerful symbol of divine beauty and majesty.
The third set of lines proclaims, "Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, From heavens all gracious King." This is a central message of the song, highlighting the message of peace and goodwill that the angels bring. It emphasizes the role of God as the gracious King who bestows this peace upon the earth.
The following lines describe the state of the world at the time of the angels' visitation, saying, "The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing." This paints a picture of a world that is waiting in anticipation, ready to receive the message of peace and joy brought by the angels. It suggests that in the midst of chaos and turmoil, there is a moment of calm and hope.
Meaning of the Song
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" is a song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of peace and goodwill that accompanies it. The song conveys a sense of hope and joy, reminding listeners of the divine intervention that took place on that holy night.
The inspiration or story behind the song is not explicitly mentioned in the lyrics themselves. However, the song is based on a poem written by Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849. Sears was a minister and theologian, and his poem reflects his theological beliefs and his desire to convey a message of hope and peace to his congregation.
Biblical Analysis
Now let's critically analyze the song's biblical references and argue with biblical references. The song draws heavily on the biblical narrative of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus. In Luke 2:8-14, it is recorded that an angel appeared to shepherds in the fields and proclaimed the good news of the Savior's birth:
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"
The song aligns with this biblical account by describing the angels bending near the earth and singing their glorious song. It captures the essence of the biblical message of peace and goodwill, echoing the angels' proclamation of peace on earth. The line "From heavens all gracious King" also resonates with the biblical understanding of God as the King of kings and the source of all grace.
The song's emphasis on peace is also consistent with the biblical teachings. In Isaiah 9:6, it is prophesied about the birth of Jesus, saying, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, brings a message of reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace to humanity.
Additionally, the song's call for peace on earth and goodwill to men aligns with Jesus' teachings. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." His message emphasizes the importance of peace and promotes love and kindness towards others.
Conclusion
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" is a beloved Christmas carol that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of peace and goodwill that accompanies it. The song's main key messages revolve around the arrival of the angels, the proclamation of peace on earth, and the anticipation of the world to hear their song. It conveys a message of hope and joy, reminding listeners of the divine intervention that took place on that holy night.
From a biblical perspective, the song aligns with the biblical narrative of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus and echoes the biblical teachings on peace and goodwill. It captures the essence of the biblical message and reminds us of the significance of Jesus' birth in bringing peace to the world.
As we sing and listen to "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" during the Christmas season, let us be reminded of the hope and peace that Jesus brings and strive to live as peacemakers in a world that longs for the message of peace and goodwill.
