Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
D.J. Kris Mas Lyrics

"Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King" is an invocation to listen attentively to the songs of the angels, who are announcing and praising the birth of a new King. The use of the word "hark" emphasizes the urgency and importance of this message. The angels proclaim glory, which represents honor, praise, and recognition, to the newly born King, indicating that he is worthy of great admiration and reverence.

The next line, "Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled," communicates the significance of the King's birth. It speaks of bringing peace to the world and offering mercy to humanity. This King's arrival signifies the reconciliation between God, who is represented as holy and perfect, and sinners, who are imperfect and in need of redemption. It highlights the idea that through the birth of Jesus, there is hope for salvation and the restoration of harmony between God and humanity.

"Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies" encourages people from all nations to join in the celebration and triumph of this momentous occasion. It emphasizes the universality and inclusivity of this event, suggesting that it is a cause for joy and unity that transcends boundaries and differences. The imagery of the skies symbolizes the grandeur and magnitude of this event, as if the whole universe is rejoicing and exalting in unison.

The following lines describe the qualities and role of Christ. "Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord" portray Jesus as the one who is worshipped by heaven itself and as the eternal ruler. It emphasizes the divinity and exalted nature of Christ, suggesting that he is the highest authority and deserving of adoration. The phrase "late in time behold him come, Offspring of the Virgin's womb" refers to the miraculous birth of Jesus as a human being through the Virgin Mary, signifying the incarnation of God's eternal Son.

The lyrics continue with an acknowledgement of Jesus' willingness to be with mankind. "Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!" implies that Jesus willingly chose to dwell among humans and experience humanity firsthand. Emmanuel means "God with us," emphasizing the closeness and intimacy of God's presence among humanity. It evokes a sense of comfort, empathy, and understanding that Jesus, as God's Son, has come to share in the human experience.

The final paragraph highlights Jesus as the "Prince of Peace" and the "Son of Righteousness." This title emphasizes his role as the one who brings peace, righteousness, and salvation to all. The line "Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings" conveys the idea that through Jesus, light and life are brought to everyone, along with the healing power to overcome sin and its consequences. It suggests that Jesus' birth brings hope and restoration to a broken world.

The song concludes with a repetition of the proclamation from the angelic host. "Christ is born in Bethlehem, Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King" reiterates the message of the angels, emphasizing the joyous announcement of Jesus' birth and proclaiming glory to the newborn King once again. It serves as a final reminder that this momentous event is deserving of continuous celebration and praise.