“Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

“Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley first appeared in 1739 in the collection Hymns and Sacred Poems. This hymn, better known today as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, became one of the most celebrated Christmas carols of all time due to its rich theological depth and lyrical beauty. The poem encapsulates the essence of the Nativity, emphasizing themes of divine incarnation, redemption, and heavenly rejoicing. Wesley’s verses highlight the profound significance of Christ’s birth, with lines like “Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King!’” underscoring the angelic proclamation of joy and salvation. The hymn’s popularity as a textbook poem stems from its didactic nature, presenting core Christian beliefs in a structured, poetic form that is both memorable and instructive. Its rhythmic and melodic adaptation, later modified by composer Felix Mendelssohn, further cemented its place in both religious and literary traditions. The hymn’s universal appeal, clear message of hope, and celebratory tone continue to make it an enduring classic in hymnody and Christian education.

Text: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

Hark how all the Welkin rings
“Glory to the Kings of Kings
“Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild
“God and Sinners reconcil’d!

Joyful all ye Nations rise
Join the Triumph of the Skies
Universal Nature say
“Christ the Lord is born to Day!

Christ, by highest Heav’n ador’d
Christ, the Everlasting Lord
Late in Time behold him come
Offspring of a Virgin’s Womb

Veil’d in Flesh, the Godhead see
Hail th’ Incarnate Deity!
Pleas’d as Man with Men t’ appear
Jesus, our Immanuel here!

Hail the Heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and Life to All he brings
Ris’n with Healing in his Wings

Mild he lays his Glory by
Born—that Man no more may die
Born—to raise the Sons of Earth
Born—to give them Second Birth

Come, Desire of Nations, come
Fix in Us thy humble Home
Rise, the Woman’s Conqu’ring Seed
Bruise in Us the Serpent’s Head

Now display thy saving Pow’r
Ruin’d Nature now restore
Now in Mystic Union join
Thine to Ours, and Ours to Thine

Adam’s Likeness, Lord, efface
Stamp thy Image in its Place
Second Adam from above
Reinstate us in thy Love

Let us Thee, tho’ lost, regain
Thee, the Life, the Inner Man:
O! to All Thyself impart
Form’d in each Believing Heart

Annotations: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

Line from the Hymn	Simplified Meaning (Annotation)
Hark how all the Welkin rings	Listen to how the heavens are ringing with sound!
Glory to the King of Kings	Praise and honor to Jesus, the greatest King.
Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild	Jesus brings peace and gentle mercy to the world.
God and Sinners reconcil’d!	Through Jesus, God and humanity are brought together.
Joyful all ye Nations rise	People of all nations should rejoice.
Join the Triumph of the Skies	Join in the celebration happening in heaven.
Universal Nature say	All of creation proclaims the birth of Jesus.
Christ the Lord is born to Day!	Jesus Christ, our Lord, is born today!
Christ, by highest Heav’n ador’d	Jesus is worshiped by the highest beings in heaven.
Christ, the Everlasting Lord	Jesus is the eternal ruler and divine Lord.
Late in Time behold him come	At the right time, He has finally arrived.
Offspring of a Virgin’s Womb	Jesus was born from the Virgin Mary.
Veil’d in Flesh, the Godhead see	God has taken on human flesh in Jesus.
Hail th’ Incarnate Deity!	Praise God, who has become human!
Pleas’d as Man with Men t’ appear	Jesus was happy to live among people.
Jesus, our Immanuel here!	Jesus is ‘Immanuel,’ meaning ‘God with us.’
Hail the Heav’nly Prince of Peace!	Praise Jesus, the divine ruler of peace.
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!	Praise Jesus, who brings righteousness like the sun.
Light and Life to All he brings	Jesus brings enlightenment and eternal life.
Ris’n with Healing in his Wings	Jesus rises, bringing healing and restoration.
Mild he lays his Glory by	Jesus humbly gives up His heavenly glory.
Born—that Man no more may die	Jesus was born so that humans can have eternal life.
Born—to raise the Sons of Earth	He was born to lift humanity from sin.
Born—to give them Second Birth	He was born so that people can be spiritually reborn.
Come, Desire of Nations, come	Jesus, whom all nations long for, has come.
Fix in Us thy humble Home	Jesus, make your home within our hearts.
Rise, the Woman’s Conqu’ring Seed	Jesus fulfills prophecy by defeating sin.
Bruise in Us the Serpent’s Head	Defeat Satan and evil within us.
Now display thy saving Pow’r	Show us your divine power to save.
Ruin’d Nature now restore	Fix the broken world affected by sin.
Now in Mystic Union join	Unite Yourself with us spiritually.
Thine to Ours, and Ours to Thine	Let us be one with You, Lord.
Adam’s Likeness, Lord, efface	Remove our sinful nature inherited from Adam.
Stamp thy Image in its Place	Replace it with Your divine image.
Second Adam from above	Jesus, the second Adam, restores humanity.
Reinstate us in thy Love	Bring us back into Your love and grace.
Let us Thee, tho’ lost, regain	Even though we were lost in sin, let us find You again.
Thee, the Life, the Inner Man	Jesus is the source of spiritual life.
O! to All Thyself impart	Jesus, give Yourself to everyone.
Form’d in each Believing Heart	Be present in the hearts of all believers.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

Literary Device	Example from the Hymn	Explanation
Alliteration	“Hail the Heav’nly Prince of Peace!”	Repetition of consonant sounds (H in “Hail” and “Heav’nly”).
Allusion	“Offspring of a Virgin’s Womb”	A reference to the Virgin Mary giving birth to Jesus.
Antithesis	“God and Sinners reconcil’d!”	Juxtaposition of opposites—God and sinners are brought together.
Apostrophe	“Hail th’ Incarnate Deity!”	Directly addressing Jesus as “Incarnate Deity” to show reverence.
Assonance	“Light and Life to All he brings”	Repetition of vowel sounds (long “i” in “Light” and “Life”).
Biblical Allusion	“Rise, the Woman’s Conqu’ring Seed”	Reference to Genesis 3:15, where Eve’s offspring will defeat evil.
Contrast	“Mild he lays his Glory by / Born—that Man no more may die”	Comparison between Jesus’ divine glory and His earthly humility.
Declaration	“Christ the Lord is born to Day!”	A bold statement proclaiming Jesus’ birth.
Diction	“Late in Time behold him come”	Word choice (“Late in Time”) highlights divine timing.
Epithets	“Hail the Sun of Righteousness!”	A descriptive title emphasizing Jesus as the source of righteousness.
Exhortation	“Come, Desire of Nations, come”	A call to Jesus, asking Him to come and fulfill His promise.
Hyperbole	“Adam’s Likeness, Lord, efface”	Exaggeration of Jesus removing Adam’s sinful nature.
Imagery	“Join the Triumph of the Skies”	A vivid picture of heavenly celebration and triumph.
Metaphor	“Hail the Sun of Righteousness!”	Jesus is compared to the sun, which brings righteousness and light.
Parallelism	“Born—to raise the Sons of Earth / Born—to give them Second Birth”	The repetition of “Born—to” emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ birth.
Paradox	“Veil’d in Flesh, the Godhead see”	Jesus, though human, is also divine, creating a paradox.
Personification	“Universal Nature say”	Nature is given human-like qualities, as if it speaks.
Repetition	“Born—to raise the Sons of Earth / Born—to give them Second Birth”	Repetition of a phrase to emphasize salvation and rebirth.
Symbolism	“Jesus, our Immanuel here!”	Jesus is given the symbolic name “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.”
Synecdoche	“Thine to Ours, and Ours to Thine”	Part represents the whole—”Thine” (Jesus) and “Ours” (humanity).

Themes: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

• The Joyful Proclamation of Christ’s Birth: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley emphasizes the joy and celebration surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The poem opens with a grand proclamation: “Hark how all the Welkin rings”, describing the heavens resounding with praise. The joyous nature of this event is further reinforced in the lines “Joyful all ye Nations rise, Join the Triumph of the Skies”, where Wesley calls upon all nations to unite in celebration. Even “Universal Nature” is depicted as rejoicing, emphasizing that Christ’s birth is not only significant for humanity but for all of creation. The hymn’s triumphant and exultant tone underscores the belief that Jesus’ birth is a moment of divine glory, bringing peace and reconciliation between God and humankind. This theme reflects the Christian belief that Christmas is an occasion of universal joy, as it marks the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation.
• The Incarnation and Divinity of Christ: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley highlights the incarnation—the belief that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. This is evident in the lines “Veil’d in Flesh, the Godhead see, Hail th’ Incarnate Deity!”, which portray Jesus as God taking on human form. Wesley further affirms Christ’s divine nature by calling him “Christ, the Everlasting Lord”, emphasizing his eternal existence. The hymn also makes a direct reference to Jesus’ miraculous birth: “Offspring of a Virgin’s Womb”, acknowledging the Christian doctrine of the Virgin Birth. The phrase “Jesus, our Immanuel here” encapsulates this theme, as “Immanuel” means “God with us,” signifying God’s presence among humanity. Through these lines, Wesley conveys that Christ’s birth is not an ordinary event—it is a divine act that brings God directly into the human world, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah.
• Salvation and Redemption through Christ: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley presents salvation and redemption as central themes, portraying Christ’s birth as the foundation of God’s plan to save humanity from sin and death. The hymn emphasizes Christ’s humility and sacrifice in the line “Mild he lays his Glory by, Born—that Man no more may die”, illustrating that Jesus willingly left his divine glory to come to earth for the sake of humankind. Wesley continues this theme with “Born—to raise the Sons of Earth, Born—to give them Second Birth”, referencing the Christian concept of spiritual rebirth—the idea that faith in Christ grants eternal life. The hymn also refers to Christ as the “Second Adam from above”, reinforcing the belief that Jesus came to correct the sin of the first Adam and offer a new path to righteousness. By repeating “Born—to”, Wesley stresses that Jesus’ birth is not only a cause for celebration but also the beginning of humanity’s salvation.
• The Defeat of Sin and the Restoration of Humanity: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley emphasizes Christ’s victory over sin and the restoration of fallen humanity. Wesley references the biblical prophecy from Genesis 3:15 in the lines “Rise, the Woman’s Conqu’ring Seed, Bruise in Us the Serpent’s Head”, portraying Jesus as the one who will crush Satan’s power. This theme is further developed with the plea “Adam’s Likeness, Lord, efface, Stamp thy Image in its Place”, signifying that Jesus came to erase the sinful nature inherited from Adam and restore believers in the image of God. The hymn expresses the longing for humanity’s full redemption through the line “Reinstate us in thy Love”, reinforcing the belief that Christ’s birth is not just a historical event but a divine act meant to reconcile people with God. Through these verses, Wesley conveys that Jesus’ coming marks the beginning of humanity’s transformation, restoring what was lost through sin and bringing the promise of eternal life.

Literary Theories and “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

Literary Theory	Application to “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley
Theological Criticism	This hymn reflects Christian theology, particularly the doctrines of Incarnation, Redemption, and Salvation. The lines “Veil’d in Flesh, the Godhead see, Hail th’ Incarnate Deity!” emphasize the belief that Christ is both divine and human. The hymn also highlights Christ’s mission to reconcile sinners with God, as seen in “God and Sinners reconcil’d!” This interpretation aligns with theological readings that focus on religious significance.
Historical Criticism	Understanding the hymn’s historical context in 18th-century England helps interpret its purpose. Wesley, a leader in the Methodist movement, wrote this during a time of religious revival. The line “Join the Triumph of the Skies” reflects the evangelical emphasis on communal worship and celebration of faith. Historical criticism examines how the hymn responded to religious and cultural movements of its time.
Formalism (New Criticism)	A formalist analysis of the hymn focuses on its structure, poetic devices, and linguistic techniques. The repetition of “Born—to raise the Sons of Earth, Born—to give them Second Birth” emphasizes the theme of spiritual rebirth. The use of parallelism and alliteration, such as in “Hail the Heav’nly Prince of Peace!”, enhances the lyrical quality. This approach studies the hymn as a self-contained literary work, independent of historical or theological context.
Reader-Response Criticism	Reader-response criticism examines how different audiences interpret the hymn based on personal beliefs and experiences. A Christian reader may view “Jesus, our Immanuel here!” as a profound expression of faith, while a non-religious reader might appreciate its poetic elements without the theological implications. The hymn’s meaning varies based on the reader’s perspective, making its interpretation subjective.

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Critical Questions about “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

• How does “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley reflect the theological significance of Christ’s birth?
• “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley reflects the theological significance of Christ’s birth by emphasizing the doctrines of Incarnation, Redemption, and Salvation. The hymn presents Jesus as both divine and human, as seen in the line “Veil’d in Flesh, the Godhead see, Hail th’ Incarnate Deity!”. This statement highlights the Christian belief that Christ, though born in human form, retains his divine nature. The hymn also underscores Christ’s mission of redemption with “God and Sinners reconcil’d!”, signifying that Jesus’ birth is the beginning of humanity’s salvation. Furthermore, the repeated phrase “Born—to raise the Sons of Earth, Born—to give them Second Birth” reinforces the doctrine of spiritual rebirth, which is central to Christian theology. Wesley’s hymn, therefore, is not just a celebration of Jesus’ birth but a declaration of its spiritual and salvific purpose, making it a deeply theological piece of religious poetry.
• In what ways does “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley use poetic and literary devices to enhance its message?
• “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley employs various poetic and literary devices to enhance its message of joy, salvation, and divine glory. One prominent device is alliteration, as seen in “Hail the Heav’nly Prince of Peace!”, which adds a rhythmic and melodic quality to the hymn. Parallelism is also a key feature, particularly in the repetition of “Born—to raise the Sons of Earth, Born—to give them Second Birth”, emphasizing Christ’s role in humanity’s spiritual transformation. Metaphor is another significant literary technique, as in “Hail the Sun of Righteousness!”, where Christ is compared to the sun, symbolizing light, warmth, and divine truth. Additionally, personification appears in “Universal Nature say”, suggesting that all of creation rejoices in Christ’s birth. These poetic elements not only enhance the hymn’s lyrical beauty but also strengthen its emotional and theological impact, making its message more profound and memorable.
• How does “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley reflect the historical and cultural context in which it was written?
• “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley reflects the historical and cultural context of 18th-century England, particularly the Methodist movement and the religious revival of the time. Wesley, a co-founder of Methodism, sought to renew Christian faith and devotion, and his hymns played a crucial role in spreading this message. The hymn’s emphasis on joyful praise and communal worship is evident in “Join the Triumph of the Skies”, which encourages believers to participate in a heavenly celebration of Christ’s birth. This aligns with Methodist teachings that emphasized enthusiastic worship, personal faith, and evangelism. Additionally, the hymn’s focus on salvation and rebirth, as in “Born—to give them Second Birth”, reflects the Methodist emphasis on spiritual transformation and the need for a personal experience of God’s grace. By incorporating these themes, Wesley’s hymn resonated with contemporary Christian audiences, reinforcing the broader religious movement of his time.
• What is the significance of the title “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley, and how does it shape the reader’s understanding of the poem?
• The title “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley immediately establishes the occasion and purpose of the poem. The use of the word “Hymn” indicates that this piece is meant for worship and communal singing, aligning with the tradition of religious hymnody. The phrase “Christmas Day” sets the specific context, highlighting the significance of Christ’s birth as a moment of divine fulfillment and celebration. The title prepares the reader for a joyful and reverent reflection on the Nativity, reinforced by lines like “Hark how all the Welkin rings”, which depict the heavens resounding with praise. Additionally, the title frames the hymn as a seasonal and theological work, meant to be sung and meditated upon during Christmas celebrations. This shapes the reader’s interpretation and engagement, making the hymn not just a poetic composition but an act of devotion, intended to be part of a larger spiritual experience.

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Literary Works Similar to “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

1. “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” by Nahum Tate – Like “Hymn for Christmas Day”, this poem-hymn narrates the announcement of Christ’s birth by angels, emphasizing divine revelation and joyous celebration.
2. “Christ’s Nativity” by Henry Vaughan – This poem shares Wesley’s focus on the spiritual significance of Christ’s birth, using rich imagery and reverent praise to depict the incarnation.
3. “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson – Similar to Wesley’s hymn, this poem explores the mystery of Christ’s divine and human nature, with a blend of theological reflection and poetic beauty.
4. “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity” by John Milton – Like Wesley’s work, Milton’s poem presents Christ’s birth as a cosmic event, with a grand and celebratory tone that highlights its impact on heaven and earth.
5. “See Amid the Winter’s Snow” by Edward Caswall – This hymn-like poem echoes Wesley’s themes of joy, salvation, and divine love, portraying Christ’s birth as a moment of grace and redemption for humanity.

Representative Quotations of “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Hark how all the Welkin rings”	The opening line sets the tone for the hymn, depicting the heavens resounding with praise for Christ’s birth.	Theological Criticism – Highlights divine praise and worship as central to Christian faith.
“Glory to the King of Kings”	This line exalts Christ as the supreme ruler, emphasizing his divine kingship.	Historical Criticism – Reflects 18th-century religious emphasis on Christ’s divine kingship.
“Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild”	A declaration of Christ’s mission to bring peace and mercy to humanity through his birth.	Moral Criticism – Emphasizes Christ’s ethical mission of peace and mercy.
“God and Sinners reconcil’d!”	Expresses the core Christian belief in Christ’s role in reconciling sinful humanity with God.	Soteriological Criticism – Focuses on salvation and atonement as key Christian doctrines.
“Veil’d in Flesh, the Godhead see”	Affirms the Incarnation, portraying Jesus as both divine and human.	Incarnational Theology – Explores the mystery of Christ as God in human form.
“Born—to raise the Sons of Earth”	Describes Christ’s role in elevating humanity from sin and granting salvation.	Redemptive Perspective – Highlights Christ’s role in lifting humanity from sin.
“Born—to give them Second Birth”	Refers to the theological concept of spiritual rebirth through faith in Christ.	Spiritual Transformation – Examines rebirth as a theological necessity in Christian faith.
“Hail the Sun of Righteousness!”	Symbolically portrays Christ as the Sun, bringing enlightenment and righteousness.	Symbolism and Allegory – Uses metaphor to depict Christ as a guiding light.
“Adam’s Likeness, Lord, efface”	A plea to remove the sinful nature inherited from Adam and replace it with Christ’s holiness.	Anthropological Theology – Analyzes humanity’s transformation through Christ’s influence.
“Reinstate us in thy Love”	A call for divine restoration, asking for reconciliation with God’s love.	Divine Grace Perspective – Emphasizes the necessity of God’s love for spiritual renewal.

Suggested Readings: “Hymn for Christmas Day” by Charles Wesley

1. Tucker, Karen B. Westerfield. “‘Shew Us Thy Salvation’: Charles Wesley and the Liturgical Year.” Wesley and Methodist Studies 11.2 (2019): 166-191.
2. Tucker, Karen B. Westerfield. “‘Shew Us Thy Salvation’: Charles Wesley and the Liturgical Year.” Wesley and Methodist Studies, vol. 11, no. 2, 2019, pp. 166–91. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.5325/weslmethstud.11.2.0166. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
3. Kimbrough, S. T. “Literary and Ecclesial Sources Used in Charles Wesley’s Poetry.” The Lyrical Theology of Charles Wesley: A Reader (Expanded Edition), 1st ed., The Lutterworth Press, 2013, pp. 73–91. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1cgdz67.9. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
4. SISTER M. CLEMENT EAGAN. “A HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS DAY.” Poems, Volume 1, Catholic University of America Press, 1962, pp. 78–83. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt32b325.15. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.