All Glory To God: Singing The Theology of Incarnation

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” – Titus 2:11

Music has a unique ability to poetically articulate divine mysteries while expressing the fullness of human sensitivities, which is why Christmas hymns and carols resonate so profoundly, connecting us to the truths of the season and the gospel message.

This Christmas, I’m delighted to share with you my latest recording: “All Glory to God.” This song blends an 18th-century hymn text by Charles Wesley from Hymns for the Nativity (1746) with a new chorus I wrote to celebrate the incarnation of Christ.

Wesley announces the glory of the Christmas story through theologically rich poetry. Throughout his text, we sense the influence of Paul’s summation of Christ’s mission in Titus 2:11: “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.”

In my adaptation, this verse serves as the golden thread tying together each verse's theological insights, reminding us that Christ’s arrival was not just a historical event but also a cosmic revelation of God’s offer of redemption and relational restoration.

LISTEN" ALL GLORY TO GOD" [AUDIO PLAYER]

Verse 1: “All glory to God, and peace upon earth…”

The first verse echoes the angels’ announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:14:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
It proclaims the restoration of what was lost—God’s favor, forfeited by sin, now reclaimed through the birth of the Savior. A divine principle is declared: Peace on earth flows naturally when glory is given to God.

Theologically, this speaks to the doctrine of reconciliation: that in Christ, the broken relationship between God and humanity is healed. Christmas is not just a season of celebration but a revelation that peace with God is now possible through Jesus.

Verse 2: “Then let us behold Messiah the Lord…”

This verse invites us to witness the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus, adored by angels and foretold by prophets, is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.

As Isaiah 7:14 foretells, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” The incarnation of Christ—God becoming flesh—reveals God’s commitment to humanity. His salvation is not abstract but tangible, a gift with a name: Jesus.

Chorus: “All glory to God…”

The chorus acts as the heart of the song—a call to join the heavenly chorus in praise. It echoes the joy of Revelation 5:13:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

I wanted the chorus to be an anthem of adoration, expressing the unity of heaven and earth by declaring God’s love.

Verse 3: “Our newly-born King by faith we have seen…”

This verse draws from Luke 2:19, where Mary treasures and ponders the events of Christ’s birth in her heart. The wonder of Christmas lies in its paradox: the infinite God entering finite human experience.

The joy of this verse also reminds us of the role of faith in beholding the King. As believers, we are given the opportunity and responsibility to joyfully share the good news, just as the shepherds did.

Verse 4: “What moved the Most High so greatly to stoop…”

This verse reflects on the humility of Christ, drawing from Philippians 2:6-8:
“Though he was in the form of God, [he] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself… being born in the likeness of men.”

Here, the mystery of the incarnation is made personal: God’s descent from heaven is for the purpose of our ascent. He stoops down so we might be lifted up. His embodiment of humility is for our imitation.

Verse 5: “Immanuel’s love let sinners confess…”

The final verse culminates in a confession of faith and a call to worship. The name “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us,” encapsulates the heart of the Gospel. The peace that Jesus Christ brings is not mere absence of conflict but the fullness of restoration, aligning us with God’s purpose for eternity.

The joy of Christmas is not merely seasonal; it is eternal. This verse serves as a reminder that our response to God’s offer of salvation is repentance, and our response to His incarnation is worship forever, “when time is no more.”

Personal Reflections on the Song’s Creation

Writing and recording “All Glory to God” has been a deeply rewarding process—a work of art, a labor of love, and an act of worship. Charles Wesley, one of the most prolific and prominent Christian hymn writers, penned over 6,500 hymns, including Christmas classics like "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

Yet this particular text remained relatively obscure until now.

When I discovered Wesley’s words, they seemed interesting and somehow still relevant. I felt inspired to create music that would bring his profound theology and poetic richness to life in a new way.

For me, creating and producing this song has been a way to connect with the beauty of Wesley’s legacy and share it with another generation of worshippers. It is my hope that this song invites everyone to join the heavenly chorus:

🎵 "We’ll join with that heavenly chorus above, declaring God’s love—All glory to God!" 🎵

A Prayer for Christmas Joy

Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel who came to dwell among us. Let the beauty of His incarnation fill our hearts with joy and transform our lives with hope. Help us to share this good news with a world in need of a Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

🎶✨ You can listen to "All Glory to God" here: [Bandcamp] ✨🎶

Have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas, and may your heart overflow with the hope, peace, and love of Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Rob

P.S. Feel free to share the song with a friend who might long for a reminder of God’s love this Christmas.

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