Arrival
Hillsong Worship
The Divine Arrival: Celebrating the Incarnation in 'Arrival' by Hillsong Worship
Hillsong Worship's song 'Arrival' is a profound meditation on the incarnation of Jesus Christ, exploring the mystery and majesty of God becoming human. The lyrics poetically describe the paradox of the infinite God taking on a finite form, emphasizing the humility and love inherent in this divine act. The song opens with a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the wonder of God choosing to 'take our frame' and 'breathe the very air his breath sustains,' setting the stage for a reflection on the incarnation as an act of intimate involvement with creation.
The chorus invites listeners to 'hail his arrival,' celebrating Jesus as both the creator and the created. This duality is captured in phrases like 'Royalty robed in the flesh he created' and 'the infinite infant God,' which underscore the miraculous nature of the incarnation. The song portrays Jesus as the 'architect inside the plan' and the 'artisan inside the paint,' metaphors that convey his role as both the designer and participant in the human experience. This imagery serves to deepen the listener's appreciation of the incarnation as a profound act of divine love and humility.
Further into the song, the lyrics draw a connection between the cosmic and the personal, describing Jesus as the one who 'holds the stars in the creases of his hands' and also 'holds my heart like a mother once held him.' This juxtaposition highlights the accessibility of God through Jesus, making the divine relatable and approachable. The song concludes with a powerful declaration of God's love and grace, celebrating the 'divine in a manger' and the 'playwright' who 'took the stage.' Through its rich imagery and theological depth, 'Arrival' invites listeners to marvel at the mystery of the incarnation and to celebrate the arrival of their maker with reverence and joy.