Visiting my mother in in recent days we have agreed to sing at least one Christmas carol together (from the Bethlehem Carol Sheet) Her first choice was It Came Upon the Midnight Clear which invites us to pause and reflect on the profound message of peace that lies at the heart of Christmas. Written by Edmund Sears in 1849, this carol carries a timeless resonance, calling us to consider the heavenly peace proclaimed to shepherds on the first Christmas night—and how it continues to be a divine gift offered to a weary world.
The opening lines of the carol transport us to a quiet, star-lit night where angelic voices break through the stillness, singing of “peace on the earth, goodwill to men.” This proclamation, rooted in the Gospel of Luke, reminds us of the heavenly desire for harmony and wholeness among all people. Advent is a season of longing and preparation, and Sears’ carol gently challenges us to examine our lives: Are we actively seeking and promoting peace in our hearts, our homes, and our communities?
In a world often marked by conflict and division, the hymn’s refrain of “peace on earth” feels both desperately needed and heartbreakingly elusive. Yet Advent assures us that this peace is not merely a dream but a promise made real in the coming of Christ, the Prince of Peace.
One of the most poignant aspects of this carol is its acknowledgment of human struggle. It speaks of a world “beneath life’s crushing load,” where people “toil along the climbing way, with painful steps and slow.” This honest portrayal of human suffering is deeply relevant in every age but Advent reminds us that God does not ignore our pain. In Jesus, God enters our brokenness, offering hope and restoration. The angels’ song is not a denial of life’s challenges but a promise that, in Christ, peace and joy can penetrate even the darkest nights.
The hymn’s gentle admonition to “hush the noise” and listen to the angelic message is a call to spiritual attentiveness, and is the focus of this year’s Advent campaign from the Methodist Church. ‘Hush the noise’ invites us to create space for silence, prayer, and reflection amidst the clamor of daily life. Like the shepherds on that first Christmas Eve, we are beckoned to pause, to wonder, and to receive the good news of God’s love made flesh.
As we sing or meditate on It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, let us be reminded that the angelic song continues to echo across the centuries, inviting us to live as bearers of peace and hope. May our hearts, like the Bethlehem night, be still and ready to receive the Christ who comes to dwell with us.
Prayer
God of peace,
In this Advent season, still our hearts and open our ears to hear the angels’ song.
Amidst the weariness and struggles of life, may we hold fast to your promise of peace on earth.
Transform us into instruments of your peace, that we might reflect your love to a world in need.
Come, Lord Jesus, our Prince of Peace.
Amen.
