Harkening the Herald of Heaven and Earth Joined
by Michael Doyle

Each carol has its own sort of power,
As  the music wafts along, filling the hour.
The joy of heavenly host and humanity joined in harmony,
As our carols march along throughout history.

Harmonize in praise of God; it was not to be missed
That Christmastide occurs during the time of the Solstice.
Mid-winter had long been a time of pagan celebration,
Knowing this caused tension for this Christian declaration.

Most confined church music to acapella and plainsong.
Joy and collaboration were said not to belong.
Carols were subject to the church's prohibition,
Until St. Francis pursued focus on the incarnation.

Turning a decisive eye on God's presence since the Nativity
Brought God's walk among us to light without naivety.
Harkening to the herald of joy that angels and men would sing,
And from this all the blessings this bold carol would bring. 

All the quiet moments under God's holy sky added up
Until at last, Christ's sacrifice came from Golgotha's cup.
Stepping out in faith emboldens souls to atone,
And find purpose in keeping God's Son on the kingdom's throne.

This song tells of a time when angels offered a proclamation
That called mankind to bravely give our love and dedication.
The Mishnah speaks as a matter of venerable interpretation,
The witnessing shepherds were priests charged with dedication.

These priests kept the temple sheep for atoning sacrifice.
This was done to bear our sins pure enough to suffice.
This was an invitation to God's triumph taking place,
And it welcomed all of mankind to take part in God's embrace.

We find that the favor of the Lord has been given
To all of humanity, and our sins have been forgiven.
Praise arose in Heaven and Earth to be given always,
In all the places throughout the eternity of all days.

All voices were raised, filled with praise in this holy adoration,
This was a time of joy and venerated celebration.
This one song celebrates the Christ child as He arrived,
And as a praise song, Hark the Herald, has blessedly survived.

Looking back on the beginning's obscurity,
It is clear that Christ came to us cloaked in humility.
Chasm and divide were filled with their second chances,
And so were given grace in our Lord's sacred dance.

From the manger's crib to Calvary's cross, victory was won.
God had come to walk among us in the shape of His son.
The triumph needed was given, spread, and deeply believed
By Christ's holy flock blessed by salvation's plan conceived.

We search our hearts for reasons for our sanctification.
Happy enough to spread the Good News of mankind's salvation.
As we come together, let us join our lives in an open prayer,
Grateful for the God who is always present here. 

(c) November 30, 2025    Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved