Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Jon Reddick Lyrics


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Hark! The herald angels sing
"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"
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!"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" convey the message of joy and celebration upon the birth of Jesus Christ, the newborn king. The song begins with the angels announcing and singing praises to the newborn king, proclaiming "Glory to the newborn King!" It speaks of the hope of peace on earth and the mercy shown to sinners through God's reconciliation.


The lyrics call on all nations to join in the triumph of the heavens, as the angelic host declares the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. The song emphasizes the significance of Jesus' birth by praising Him as the Prince of Peace and the Son of Righteousness. It highlights the transformative power that Jesus brings, bringing light and life to all and offering healing through His presence.


The second half of the song reflects on the humility and sacrifice of Jesus, as He sets aside His glory to be born as a man. His purpose is to conquer death and give humanity a new birth, offering them redemption and raising them above earthly limitations. The angels once again sing the praises of the newborn king, declaring "Glory to the newborn King!" The overall theme of the lyrics is the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope and salvation He brings to humanity.


Line by Line Meaning

Hark! The herald angels sing
Listen closely! The messengers from heaven are singing


"Glory to the newborn King!"
"Praise and honor to the recently born King!"


Peace on earth and mercy mild
May there be calm and compassion on the earth


God and sinners reconciled
God and those who have sinned are now brought back together


Joyful, all ye nations rise
Let all nations rejoice with happiness


Join the triumph of the skies
Join the celebration from the heavens


With the angelic host proclaim:
Together with the heavenly angelic gathering, announce:


"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
"The Savior is born in Bethlehem"


Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Greet and honor the Prince of Peace, born from heaven!


Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Greetings to the Son of Righteousness!


Light and life to all He brings
He brings illumination and vitality to everyone


Ris'n with healing in His wings
Raised with the ability to bring healing and restoration


Mild He lays His glory by
Gently, He sets aside His divine splendor


Born that man no more may die
Born so that mankind may no longer face eternal death


Born to raise the sons of Earth
Born to elevate the children of Earth


Born to give them second birth
Born to grant them a new spiritual birth


Hark! The herald angels sing
Listen closely! The messengers from heaven are singing


"Glory to the newborn King!"
"Praise and honor to the recently born King!"




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Comments from YouTube:

@jess.jlow1

Love the jazzy way this song was fixed. A touch of Al Jarreau, while praising our Christ Jesus. I love this song. Made dance and praise, but I absolutely love the jazz. βœοΈπŸ™Œ ❀🎢πŸ₯°

@ajwalker2365

This type of music makes you smile

@marianneolivier7170

I love your voice, Jon! Glory to God.

@JaredReynoldsMusic

I need this on multitracks!!! So good!

@cindymeyers4497

Just a fabulous arrangement.....thanks so much Keith! A great Christmas addition!

@dionnestarr1184

I love your God-given talent Jon❣Love this β£πŸ€ πŸ’πŸ™πŸ’–πŸŽΆπŸ™ŒπŸŽ‰πŸŽ‰

@calvinbarnes3355

Incredible arrangement

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