There are so many Christmas Carols that I have come to love – those from the rich tradition of our hymnals; those from the traditions of other Christian denominations; all the carols I have rehearsed for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and Christmas Concerts, as the Director of the Appleton Boychoir, the Badger State Girl Choir, the Raleigh Boychoir, the North Carolina Boys Choir and the North Carolina Girls Choir, in addition to the Church and School adult, youth and children’s choirs at the churches where I was serving.
I have chosen to highlight “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. It features an exhilarating melody written by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, and adapted by William Cummings, to lyrics originally penned by Charles Wesley, based on the Luke 2 account of the Birth of Jesus, and altered by his student, George Whitfield. I have been privileged to use wonderful arrangements of this Christmas Carol, by Sir David Willcocks and others, in Worship, and in concert; and have enjoyed listening to many recordings of it.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus as Immanuel (“God With Us”) and presents many of the well-known names and descriptions of the Christ Child: Newborn King, Christ, Prince of Peace, Sun of Righteousness, Everlasting Lord, Incarnate Deity, Emmanuel; as well as His role in God’s Plan of Salvation: Bringer of Peace, Mercy, Reconciliation, Joy, Light, Healing and Life.
Glory to You, O Lord, God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Glory to You, O Christ, our Newborn King!
By the Light and Life You bring, reconciling sinners, be pleased to fix in us Your Humble Home, so that we too may join the triumph of the skies, where in Highest Heaven You are adored by saints and angels singing Your Praises, this day, on Christmas, and forever. Amen.
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”
by Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
1. Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim.
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
2. Christ, by highest heaven adored.
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as Man with man to dwell;
Jesus, our Immanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
3. HaiI, the heavenly Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He leaves His throne on high,
Born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth;
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
4. Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Oh, to all Thyself impart,
Formed in each believing heart!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #94
Text: Luke 2:14
Author: Charles Wesley, 1739, et al.
Composer: Felix Mendelssohn, 1840, ad.
Tune: “Mendelssohn”
1st Published in: 1840
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