Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

This popular Christmas song would probably have been rejected by the composer and lyricist had they known it in its present form. Felix Mendelssohn originally wrote the melody for an 1840 cantata commemorating Gutenberg’s printing press, and declared that the “soldier-like” tune would never be suited to a sacred text. One hundred years earlier, Charles Wesley had suggested that his own hymn text “Hark, how all the welkin [heaven] rings” should be sung to a slow and solemn melody. It was William Cummings who, in 1855, ignored both their suggestions, put Wesley’s text with Mendelssohn’s music, and created one of the most joyful and beloved Christmas hymns.

Music: Felix Mendelssohn
Text: Charles Wesley
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

Listen to the Full Song

Lyrics

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn 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 newborn King!”

Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Christ the everlasting Lord:
For in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh, our Lord is He,
Savior through eternity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail! The heav’n born Prince of Peace!
Hail! The Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
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.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”