Angels from the Realms of Glory

“Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” Luke 2:9 KJV

Born of missionary parents in 1771, James Montgomery remained behind to attend school when they went into the field. But both parents died while overseas, causing him untold trauma. In fact, he responded by turning away from Christianity, drifting far from the faith.

He became a writer, and later the editor of a London newspaper, where he championed social issues such as the fight against slavery, and helping the poor and underprivileged. He was so outspoken that his opinions offended many in authority; twice he was jailed in an effort to silence him.

Through these life experiences, questions arose in his mind, and Montgomery began to study the Bible with greater intensity, motivated in part by a desire to understand the faith of his parents. As a result of this quest, he dedicated his life to Christ. On Christmas Eve, 1816, he published a poem that expressed his newfound understanding of the power of the Gospel to change everyone who believes in Jesus. This became the hymn we know as “Angels from the Realms of Glory.”

Describing the way the Good News was announced, he called angels to “wing your flight o’er all the earth” as they proclaimed the “Messiah’s birth.” He wrote how everyone needed to come to Jesus: “Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar; seek the great Desire of nations, ye have seen His natal star: saints before the altar bending watching long in hope and fear.”

He warned of the need to break the chains of sin and then concluded with this refrain: “Come and worship Christ, the newborn King.”

This Christmas, turn your heart toward Jesus and experience the fullness of His forgiveness, power, and freedom. Worship Him, for He is the King.

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save me from my sins. I worship You and praise You for the gift of eternal life. May others see Jesus in me. In His name. Amen.