It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Mario Lanza's rendition of 'It Came Upon A Midnight Clear' is a timeless Christmas carol that beautifully captures the essence of peace and divine intervention. The song, originally written by Edmund Sears in 1849, speaks of a heavenly message delivered by angels on a serene midnight. The 'glorious song of old' refers to the angelic proclamation of peace and goodwill to humanity, a message that resonates deeply during the Christmas season. The imagery of angels 'bending near the Earth' and 'touching their harps of gold' evokes a sense of divine presence and celestial harmony, offering a moment of solemn stillness for the world to absorb this heavenly music.

The second verse continues to emphasize the persistent and pervasive nature of this angelic message. Despite the 'weary world' and its 'sad and lowly plains,' the angels' song of peace and hope continues to float above, transcending the 'Babel sounds' of human strife and discord. This verse highlights the contrast between the divine and the earthly, suggesting that the message of peace is ever-present, even amidst the chaos and noise of everyday life. The angels' 'peaceful wings unfurl' as a symbol of hope and comfort, reminding listeners that there is a higher, more serene reality beyond their immediate struggles.

The third verse offers a message of solace to those 'beneath life's crushing load,' acknowledging the hardships and toils of human existence. It encourages listeners to find rest and hope in the promise of 'glad and golden hours' that are 'swiftly on the wing.' This verse serves as a reminder that, despite the pain and slow progress of life's journey, there is a divine promise of peace and joy that awaits. The final verse looks forward to the fulfillment of prophetic visions, when a 'new heaven and earth' will recognize the 'prince of peace' as their king. This eschatological hope ties the song's message to a broader Christian narrative of redemption and ultimate peace, envisioning a future where the world will 'send back the song' of the angels in a harmonious chorus of praise and unity.