Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Jay B. Clay Lyrics

The lyrics of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" by Jay B. Clay are rich with meaning, offering a joyful and triumphant message about the birth of Christ. The song begins by calling attention to the herald angels who sing glory to the new born King. The lyrics go on to express a message of peace, mercy, and reconciliation between God and sinners. The nations are invited to join in the triumph of the skies as they proclaim Christ's birth in Bethlehem.

The second verse of the song focuses on Christ himself, depicting him as the highest heaven adored and the everlasting Lord. He is described as having been born of a virgin's womb, veiled in flesh so that all may see the Godhead in him. The verse concludes by celebrating the fact that Christ is pleased to dwell with men as Emmanuel.

The final part of the song combines the lyrics of "O Come All Ye Faithful" with those of the first part, inviting all to join in praising the King of Angels born in Bethlehem. The repetition of "Oh come let us adore him" emphasizes the worshipful spirit of the song and underscores the importance of celebrating the birth of Christ.

Overall, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is a powerful and meaningful hymn that conveys the joy, wonder, and significance of Christ's birth. It sets a tone of reverence and celebration, inviting all to join in adoration and thanksgiving for the gift of the Savior.

* "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" was originally written by Charles Wesley, an English minister and hymn writer, in 1739.
* The melody was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840, and the current version of the song is largely based on Mendelssohn's original tune.
* The song has been translated into many languages and is widely sung all over the world, especially during the Christmas season.
* The opening line of the song, "Hark! The herald angels sing," is one of the most recognizable and famous lines in all of Christmas music.
* The song has been covered by many popular musicians, including Mariah Carey, Amy Grant, and Whitney Houston.
* The original lyrics included a verse describing the birth of the peaceable kingdom and the redemption of Israel.
* The song was intended to be sung to celebrate the Wesleyans' observance of the first Christmas Day service in 1789.
* The British Methodist Conference added the song to their hymnal in 1780.
* The version of the song that is most commonly sung today was arranged by William Cummings in 1857.
* In the United Kingdom, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is traditionally sung at the close of the Christmas Day service at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Chords:
Key of G
Verse 1:
G D
Hark the herald angels sing
G D
Glory to the new born King
B7 Em
Peace on earth and mercy mild
B7 Em
God and sinners reconciled
C G
Joyful all ye nations rise
G/D D
Join the triumph of the skies
G D
With angelic host proclaim
G D
Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Chorus:
G/D D
Hark the herald angels sing
G/D D
Glory to the newborn King

Verse 2:
G D
Christ, by highest heaven adored
G D
Christ, the everlasting Lord
B7 Em
Late in time behold Him come
B7 Em
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb
G/D D
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
G/D D
Hail the incarnate Deity
G D
Pleased as man with man to dwell
G D
Jesus our Emmanuel

Chorus:
G/D D
Hark the herald angels sing
G/D D
Glory to the newborn King

Bridge/Coda:
G D
O come all ye faithful
G D
Joyful and triumphant
B7 Em
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem
B7 Em
Come and behold Him
C G
Born the King of Angels
G/D D
O come let us adore Him
G/D D
O come let us adore Him
G/D D
O come let us adore Him
G D
Christ the Lord.