Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
John Farnham & Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
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"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 of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" are a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of peace, redemption, and salvation that his arrival brings. The song begins with the angels proclaiming "Glory to the newborn King!" and declaring that through his birth, peace on earth and mercy have been extended to both God and sinners. This sets the joyful tone for the entire song, urging all nations to rise and join in the triumph of the skies.
The second verse emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, describing him as the highest heaven adored and the everlasting Lord. It acknowledges the miraculous nature of his birth, being born of a virgin's womb. The phrase "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see" signifies the incarnation of God taking human form in Jesus. The lyrics further express that Jesus willingly came to live among humanity as a man, as Emmanuel, meaning "God with us".
The final verse introduces Jesus as the "heav'n-born Prince of peace" and the "Son of Righteousness", highlighting his role as the bringer of light and life to all. His arrival is depicted as being accompanied by healing and redemption for humanity. The verse also emphasizes that Jesus voluntarily set aside his divine glory to be born, with the purpose of conquering death and offering new life to all mankind. The angels once again exclaim with joy, proclaiming "Glory to the newborn King!"
Overall, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a hymn that praises the birth of Jesus Christ and the significance of his arrival as the embodiment of divine love and peace. It conveys a message of hope, mercy, and the potential for a second birth and spiritual renewal for all who believe in him.
Line by Line Meaning
Hark the herald angels sing
Listen attentively to the heavenly messengers singing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Praise and honor the recently born King
Peace on earth and mercy mild
May there be peace on earth and compassionate forgiveness
God and sinners reconciled
The divine and sinful beings are now in harmony
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Let all nations rise with joy
Join the triumph of the skies
Participate in the victory celebration taking place in the heavens
With the angelic host proclaim:
Together with the angelic beings, declare boldly
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
The Messiah has been born in Bethlehem
Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ, revered by the highest realm of heaven
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Christ, the eternal ruler!
Late in time behold Him come
In the course of time, witness His arrival
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Born from the womb of a Virgin
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
The divine nature concealed within human form can be perceived
Hail the incarnate Deity
Salutations to the deity in human form
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Delighted to reside among humankind
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Jesus, our God is with us
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of peace!
Greetings to the heavenly-born Prince of peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Greetings to the Son who embodies righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
He brings illumination and vitality to everyone
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Risen with the ability to heal
Mild He lays His glory by
Gently, He sets aside His majestic splendor
Born that man no more may die
Born so that humanity may no longer perish
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to elevate the inhabitants of the earth
Born to give them second birth
Born to grant them spiritual rebirth
Hark! The herald angels sing
Listen attentively as the heavenly messengers sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Praise and honor the recently born King
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Abkco Music Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Wesley, Felix Mendelssohn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind