Malachi 4:2, “Hark the Herald Angel Sing” and the Sun Rising Behind Aspen Trees in Rocky Mountain National Park.

“But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.” Malachi 4:2

Christ, The Sun of Righteousness

The writers of the old Christmas hymns often used words rooted in Scripture. I cherish many of these carols and like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” as my favorite. The lyrics are powerful. The word “Sun” in “Sun of Righteousness” in the song is not a misspelling meant to be “son”. It’s a quote from Malachi 4:2 referencing the second coming of Christ.

This verse in Malachi uses words to create a joyful image of Christ’s return. When Jesus returns, He returns not just as the son, but He returns bright like the rising sun. He will bring new life and healing in His wings. And His people will rejoice skipping like young calves!

Enjoy the rich doctrine of the third verse in “Hark the Herald Angel Sing”

“Hail the heaven-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 man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the new born King!’”

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Galatians 4:4-5, “O come, O come, Emmanuel” and Trees Covered in Snow, Fontenelle Forest.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.” Galatians 4:4-5

Jesus Came in the Fullness of Time

The Bible tells us that in the fullness of time Christ came to redeem His people. He did not come too early, nor did He come too late. He came at the perfect time to redeem us.

All people, not just the ancient Jews, are subject to the law—the law of sin and death. At Christmas we celebrate Christ coming to earth to redeem us and to make us adoptive sons and daughters of God. And He came at the moment in time the Father meant Him to come.

O come, O come, Emmanuel (first verse)
“O come, O come, Emmanuel”
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.”

Read more about the significance of the coming of Jesus in Galatians 4