Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Marilyn Horne And The Mormon Tabernacle Choir 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" beautifully convey the message of joy and celebration surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by calling attention to the angels, heralding the news of the newborn King and proclaiming "Glory to the newborn King!" This announcement is accompanied by an invocation for peace on earth and mercy for humanity, as God and sinners are reconciled.
The lyrics then describe the universal nature of this joyous occasion, urging all nations to rise and join in the triumph of the skies. The angelic host is called upon to proclaim the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, emphasizing the significance of this event.
Moving on, the song praises Jesus Christ as the highest deity, the everlasting Lord who is adored in the highest heaven. It marvels at how, in the fullness of time, he came to earth as the offspring of a Virgin's womb, taking on human form. This divine incarnation is hailed as the veiling of the Godhead in flesh, with Jesus becoming Emmanuel, God with us. The joyous refrain is repeated, "Glory to the newborn King!"
The final stanza exalts Jesus as the heavenly Prince of peace and the Son of Righteousness, bringing light and life to all. He is depicted as risen with healing in his wings, bringing salvation and offering a new birth to humanity. By being born and ultimately sacrificing himself, Jesus ensures that humans no longer face eternal death but have the opportunity for a second birth and eternal life. The song concludes once again with the resounding proclamation, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Line by Line Meaning
Hark the herald angels sing
Listen to the angels as they proclaim
Glory to the newborn King!
Praise and honor to the newly born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
May there be peace on earth and gentle mercy
God and sinners reconciled
God and sinners are now brought together in harmony
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Nations, rise up in joyful celebration
Join the triumph of the skies
Participate in the triumphant celebration from the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
Together with the angelic host, declare:
Christ is born in Bethlehem
The Messiah is born in Bethlehem
Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ, worshiped by the highest heaven
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Christ, the eternal Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
At a later time, witness His arrival
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Born from a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Observe the divinity concealed in human form
Hail the incarnate Deity
Rejoice in the God made flesh
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Delighted to live among humanity
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Jesus, our God with us
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of peace!
Celebrate the Prince of peace, born in heaven!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Greetings to the Son who brings righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
He brings light and life to everyone
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Risen with the power to heal
Mild He lays His glory by
Gently, He sets aside His glory
Born that man no more may die
Born so that humanity may no longer die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to uplift the people of the earth
Born to give them second birth
Born to grant them a spiritual rebirth
Hark! The herald angels sing
Listen! The angels are singing
Glory to the newborn King!
Praise and honor to the newly born King!
Lyrics © 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