Title: Hark ! The Herald Angels Sing
Hymn Number: SS&S 30 (Sacred songs and solo)
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 th’ angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark I 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 th’ Incarnate Deity,
Pleased as Man with men to dwell,
Jesus our Immanuel !
Hark ! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
3 Hail,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 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.
About The Hymn
The hymn “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, numbered 30 in Sacred Songs and Solos, was written by Charles Wesley in 1739, with its melody later adapted by Felix Mendelssohn. This beloved Christmas hymn celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, proclaiming the good news announced by the angels to the shepherds. Its three verses focus on Christ’s incarnation, His mission to bring peace and reconciliation, and the hope of eternal life through Him. The hymn is filled with rich theological truths and exudes the joy of the Christmas season.
Verse 1: The Angels Proclaim the Savior’s Birth
“Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.’”
The first verse begins with the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth, echoing the proclamation in Luke 2:14. The phrase “Glory to the newborn King” emphasizes Jesus’ divine kingship, even in His humble birth.
The hymn declares the purpose of Christ’s coming: to bring “peace on earth” and “mercy mild,” reconciling sinful humanity to a holy God. This echoes 2 Corinthians 5:18, which describes Christ as the mediator of reconciliation between God and humanity. The verse ends with an invitation:
“Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!'”
This call for all nations to join in worship underscores the universal significance of Christ’s birth, fulfilling prophecies that the Messiah would bring salvation to the entire world.
Verse 2: The Incarnation of the Son of God
“Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb.”
The second verse focuses on the mystery and majesty of the Incarnation. Jesus, adored by the hosts of heaven and eternal in nature, enters human history as a baby, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 about the virgin birth.
The hymn continues:
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.”
These lines capture the profound truth of God becoming human, fully divine yet fully man. The term “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), highlights Jesus’ role as the God who dwells among His people. This verse invites worshippers to marvel at the Incarnation, where the Creator enters His creation to redeem it.
Verse 3: The Hope of New Life Through Christ
“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.”
The final verse celebrates the transformative impact of Christ’s coming. As the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and the “Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), Jesus brings spiritual light, life, and healing to a world darkened by sin.
The hymn concludes:
“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.”
These lines describe the humility of Christ, who set aside His divine glory to take on human form (Philippians 2:6-8). His mission is to conquer death and offer eternal life to humanity, granting “second birth” through spiritual renewal (John 3:3). This verse encapsulates the gospel message, reminding worshippers of the hope and redemption found in Christ.
Overall Message and Significance
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a hymn of proclamation and celebration, exalting the wonder of Christ’s birth and the profound truths of the gospel. Each verse builds on the themes of the angelic announcement, the mystery of the Incarnation, and the hope of salvation.
The hymn emphasizes Jesus’ dual nature as both God and man, His mission to reconcile humanity to God, and the eternal life He offers to all who believe. Its joyful tone and theological depth make it a cornerstone of Christmas worship, inviting believers to join the angels in glorifying the newborn King.
Through its timeless melody and powerful message, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” continues to inspire awe and gratitude, reminding us of the joy, peace, and hope brought by the birth of Christ.