Christmas 2024 Devotional: December 8

December 7th, 2024
by Matt Tarr

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent

Scripture: Zechariah 2
Hymn: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent

"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent" is another one of our most ancient Christmas hymns. Though most date the hymn to sometime in the 5th century, some date the hymn as far back as AD 275. There are a few good reasons to assume the earlier date, and if so, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent" would be the oldest hymn still sung today. Furthermore, like many of our ancient Christmas hymns, the song would have been written as a defense against an increasingly popular heresy known as Manichaenism. It's true that there is nothing new under the sun, and even though this heresy does not formally exist today, most, if not all, of its tenants, do (certain components of Manichaenism are even depicted in "Star Wars" and "Lion King"). Its closest equivalents are found in New Age Theology and so-called "Christian Science" (which is neither Christian nor science).

Mani (AD 216-274) and his false doctrine (similar to Arius, he taught that Christ did not really come in the flesh, but was a phantom) became especially popular in the East for the next several centuries. Perhaps it was for that reason that "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent" was commonly sung in Eastern churches as a defense against Manichaenism. After all, the main theme of the song is a defense of the hypostatic union (Jesus, truly God and truly man). Because Eastern churches primarily spoke Aramaic, many of the ancient manuscripts we have today were translated from Greek to Aramaic, and now English. Every verse bears witness to the humanity and deity of Christ. The song proved extremely popular and has stood the test of time. Even so, Manichaenism would continue to thrive. Even the great apologist Augustine (AD 354-430) adhered to its teachings for several years before he was saved.

God in Our Midst

Only the One described in today's hymn can accomplish what Zechariah 2 describes. Just as verses 10-11 indicate, "Christ our God to earth descendeth," and we are commanded to rejoice because Christ will dwell in our midst. Although Zech 2 is talking about Christ's return, it depicts the same vision of hope, restoration, and God's abiding presence with His people as today's hymn. Truly, all those who place their faith in Him await a glorious future with Him during His reign. It is guaranteed, and even now, He is measuring out His city, Jerusalem, for her restoration. From this city, He will rule over the nations, and they, too, will come to worship the Lord.

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
and with fear and trembling stand;
ponder nothing earthly minded,
for, with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary,
as of old on earth He stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
in the body and the blood.
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heav'nly food.

Rank on rank the host of heaven
spreads its vanguard on the way,
as the Light of light descendeth
from the realms of endless day,
that the pow'rs of hell may vanish
as the darkness clears away.

At His feet the six-winged seraph,
cherubim with sleepless eye,
veil their faces to the Presence,
as with ceaseless voice they cry,
“Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, Lord Most High!”