When was the last time you witnessed welkin ringing? (Don’t Google this before you answer the question!) Perhaps the question might be more easily answered if one other question was answered…what is a welkin? Among the thousands of hymns written by Charles Wesley, it is probably a good thing Wesley’s reference to the welkin ringing didn’t make it far without some serious editing.

Sometimes, even our most well-intended words get lost in translation. (Of course, I’m not certain but John may have said to brother Charles, “Lighten up, Chuck, nobody says ‘welkin’ anymore.”) By the way, “welkin” is a very old English reference to the firmament of the heavens. Now you are asking, “What’s a firmament?” My point exactly. I think we could all agree that “Hark! the herald angels sing” does roll off the tongue more easily than “Hark how all the welkin rings!” 

This Christmas, may our purpose be to speak clearly about the celebration of God’s Promised One. Let our words be plain and simple. We celebrate God coming among us in the person of Jesus Christ. And when other well-meaning individuals seek to enlighten us on the various festivals occurring during Winter Solstice, simply say, “Is that when the welkin ring?” It may make for some good conversation – plain and simple. Glory to the newborn King.

-Pastor David