Luke 2:14 records the glorious message the angel chorus proclaimed to the shepherds in announcing the birth of Christ: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Charles Wesley penned this theme as a Christmas poem, which was published in 1739, and later edited by George Whitefield. “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” depicts the rich theology of the reconciliation between God and sinners because God became man. In the middle 1800s, a tune by Felix Mendelssohn was adapted to fit the text.
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 hosts 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:
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail th’incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Risen 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 new-born king."
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