Hark! The Herald Angel Sing

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I enjoy Christmas Carols. The words and music have a way of encouraging the heart and lifting the spirits. They can set the tone for celebrating the birth of our Savior. The lyrics typically convey a profound message of truth. I must confess, I did not always appreciate the lyrics of the popular songs of the season. For much of my life I didn't grasp their true meaning. It was only after my relationship with Jesus became more personal rather than merely religous (salvation) that I realized what truth Christmas Carols actually proclaim. One of my favorites is Hark The Herald Angels Sing. The verses of this song clearly convey the good news of the Gospel - purpose for Christ's coming.

Luke 2
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

The following description is taken from the website of ShareFaith Media (http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Holidays/holiday-songs/hark-the-herald-angels-sing,-the-song-and-the-story.html)

Hark the Herald Angels Sing first appeared in Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739. It was written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788), writer of many significant hymns, and brother of the founder of the Methodist Church, John Wesley (1703-1791; See: History of Hymns).

Hark the Herald Angels Sing was originally sung to the tune of Amazing Grace, and later to the tune of Christ the Lord is Risen Today. George Whitfield (1714-1770), a preacher in the Church of England and later a Methodist minister, gave us the familiar melody sung today.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

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 the 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!
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 EmmanuelHark! 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 birthHark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Here is a link to a video of a contempory rendition of this beloved hymn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19w0IHPL4X0&feature=related

Comments

Nancy said…
Thanks MaryBeth! I am enjoying reading about the Christmas Carols. Merry Christmas!
December 11, 2011 at 7:06 PM
Pat said…
I have enjoyed taking time out to focus on the Christmas Carols I hear so often in this season.
Thanks for helping me to get in touch with the good words and the history.
December 13, 2011 at 10:41 PM
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