Rice was born in Washington DC, and has been a resident of Franklin and Nashville TN since his early twenties.
From his official website: "In 1996 he signed with a record label (Rocketown Records) as their first artist. After four plus albums and a few handfuls of Christian radio hit singles, he moved to an indie label (Eb+Flo) started by his producer and long time friend Monroe Jones. This new label relationship helped him expand his musical reach into more mainstream pop radio, especially with his light-hearted love songs 'When Did You Fall (In Love With Me)' and 'Lemonade,' still heard in Home Depots, Toys-R-Uses, restaurant bathrooms, airports and shopping malls around the country."
In June 2022, Tates Creek Presbyterian Church released a report on allegations of past sexual misconduct by Rice after commencing an investigation in October 2020.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Chris Rice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"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"
"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 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!"
The lyrics to Chris Rice's song "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" are an adaptation of the original hymn written by Charles Wesley and set to music by Felix Mendelssohn. The song is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of hope, peace, and reconciliation that his birth brought to the world.
The first verse begins with the angels singing, declaring "Glory to the newborn King!" The angels announce peace on earth and mercy to all, as God and sinners are reconciled through the birth of Jesus. The nations are called to rise in joy and join the heavenly celebration, as they proclaim "Christ is born in Bethlehem." The refrain repeats the exclamation of glory to the newborn King.
The second verse highlights the divine nature of Jesus, as he is adored in the highest heavens and acknowledged as the everlasting Lord. The lyrics mention his miraculous birth through a virgin and the fact that he veiled his divinity in human flesh. The incarnation of God in Jesus is celebrated, as he humbled himself to dwell among humanity as Emmanuel, which means "God with us." Once again, the refrain echoes the declaration of glory to the newborn King.
The final verse hails Jesus as the prince of peace and the son of righteousness. He brings light and life, and his arrival is associated with healing and renewal. The lyrics acknowledge his sacrifice, as he lays aside his divine glory and is born in order that humanity may no longer face spiritual death. Jesus' purpose is to raise the sons of the earth and offer them a second birth, signifying a new spiritual life. The refrain, once again, resounds with the proclamation of glory to the newborn King.
Overall, the lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, his divine nature, and the transformative power of his arrival for humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hark the herald angels sing
Listen! The heavenly angels are singing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
The King who is born deserves all honor and praise
Peace on earth and mercy mild
May there be peace on earth and gentle mercy
God and sinners reconciled
God and sinners are brought together in harmony
Joyful, all ye nations rise
All nations, rise up with joy
Join the triumph of the skies
Take part in the victorious celebration of the heavens
With the angelic host proclaim:
Together with the multitude of angels, proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
The Messiah is born in Bethlehem
Hark! The herald angels sing
Listen! The heavenly angels are singing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
The King who is born deserves all honor and praise
Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ, worshipped by the highest heaven
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Christ, the eternal ruler
Late in time behold Him come
At the appointed time, see Him arrive
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Born from a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
See the mystery of God's divinity concealed in human flesh
Hail the incarnate Deity
Greetings to the God who has taken on human form
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Delighted to dwell among humanity as a man
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Jesus, our God with us
Hark! The herald angels sing
Listen! The heavenly angels are singing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
The King who is born deserves all honor and praise
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Greetings to the Prince of Peace, born in heaven
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Greetings to the Son who brings righteousness
Light and life to all He brings
He brings light and life to everyone
Ris'n with healing in His wings
He has risen with healing power in His presence
Mild He lays His glory by
Gently, He sets aside His majesty
Born that man no more may die
Born so that humanity may no longer suffer death
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to restore and lift up the people of the earth
Born to give them second birth
Born to grant them a new spiritual birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
Listen! The heavenly angels are singing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
The King who is born deserves all honor and praise
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL BATEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lee-Lee
One of my favourites...so nice! Thank you 😊
Jami Lason
Thank you for your kind words 😊