Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Christmas Carol Lyrics

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 th' angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the new-born King!

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell;
Jesus, our Emmanuel! Refrain

Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Risen with healing in his wings,
Light and life to all he brings,
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Refrain

Come, Desire of nations come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the Woman's conquering Seed,
Bruise in us the Serpent's head.
Adam's likeness now efface:
Stamp Thine image in its place;
Second Adam, from above,
Reinstate us in thy love. Refrain

History of this Classic Christmas Carol

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is a joyful and majestic Christmas hymn with roots stretching back to the 18th century. The lyrics were written in 1739 by Charles Wesley, one of the key figures of the Methodist movement and a prolific hymn writer. Wesley originally envisioned the hymn as a slow, reverent piece, and it first appeared with a very different melody than the one we know today.

The version most people sing now took shape in the mid 19th century. Evangelist George Whitefield adjusted some of Wesley's wording, including the now famous opening line. A few decades later, the tune that became inseparable from the carol was adapted by organist William H. Cummings, who drew inspiration from a melody composed by Felix Mendelssohn. This pairing created the bright, triumphant sound that lifts voices every Christmas season.

The carol's message centers on the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus. Its verses explore themes of peace, reconciliation, and the mystery of God becoming human. The combination of rich theology and a soaring melody has made it a favorite for choirs, congregations, and festive gatherings for generations.

Today, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing stands as one of the most widely loved Christmas hymns. Its joyful call to celebrate Christ's birth continues to echo through churches, concerts, and carol sings around the world.

Performance Video from The Spirituals Choir

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