Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Ella Fitzgerald & Bing Crosby Lyrics

The lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Ella Fitzgerald & Bing Crosby encapsulate the joy and celebration surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, the new-born King. The opening stanza sets the tone of reverence and awe as the herald angels announce the birth of the King with glory and peace on earth. The emphasis on mercy and reconciliation between God and sinners reflects the central message of Christianity - the birth of Christ brings hope and redemption to humanity. The call for nations to rise and join in the triumph of the skies highlights the universal significance of this miraculous event.

The second stanza delves deeper into the exaltation of Christ, describing him as the highest heaven adored, the eternal Lord who has come into the world as the chosen one. The notion of Christ being veiled in flesh signifies the incarnation of the divine within human form, emphasizing the profound mystery and significance of Jesus as both God and man. The reference to Jesus as Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us', underscores the intimate connection between humanity and the divine through the birth of Christ in Bethlehem.

The third stanza shifts to praising Christ as the heaven-born Prince of peace and the Son of Righteousness, bringing light, life, and healing to all. The imagery of Christ laying his glory aside to be born as a humble human, with the purpose of overcoming death and offering second birth, speaks to the transformative power of his sacrifice and resurrection. The proclamation of Christ as the one who brings new life and salvation to humanity reinforces the theme of redemption and spiritual rebirth through faith in him.

Overall, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a joyful and reverent hymn that celebrates the birth of Christ as the manifestation of God's love and grace towards humanity. It conveys the universal significance of Christ's birth, his divine nature as well as his role as the savior who brings peace, healing, and eternal life to all who believe in him. The lyrics underscore the profound theological themes of the Incarnation, redemption, and the promise of new beginnings through the birth of the new-born King, Jesus Christ.