Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Mario Lanza & The Jeff Alexander Choir Lyrics
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"Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
"Glory to the new-born King!
Christ, by highest heaven adored:
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, th'incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King!
Hail! the heaven-born
Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the son of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born King !"
The hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," as sung by Mario Lanza and The Jeff Alexander Choir, is an ode to the birth of Christ. The song's first verse considers the birth of Jesus as a momentous event, celebrated by all nations along with the angels of the heavens, who proclaim "Glory to the new-born King!" The second verse shows reverence towards Jesus, who is regarded as the embodiment of divinity and holiness, although he has taken human form. He is worshipped as the "Prince of Peace" and the "Son of Righteousness" who has come to bring light and life to all through his healing powers.
The final verse is a hopeful affirmation of the transformative power of the birth of Jesus. The newborn Christ is depicted as discarding his glory and taking on human vulnerability in order to bring salvation to humanity. With his birth, he brings the promise of second birth for all — the resurrection from the dead and renewal of life. In this way, the song is seen as a celebration of the triumph of Jesus over death, and his eventual resurrection.
Line by Line Meaning
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Listen! The messengers of God are singing,
"Glory to the new-born King!
"Praise the new King who has been born!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
May there be peace on earth and may people be merciful,
God and sinners reconciled."
God and sinners have been brought together and reconciled.
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
All nations, rise and be joyful,
Join the triumph of the skies;
Join the celebration in the heavens;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
Join with the angels to proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."
"Christ has been born in Bethlehem."
Christ, by highest heaven adored:
Christ, worshiped by heaven above,
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Christ, the Lord who is everlasting;
Late in time behold him come,
At the end of time, see him come;
Offspring of the favored one.
The chosen one's descendant.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
See the divine nature that is hidden by human flesh;
Hail, th'incarnate Deity:
Hail to the deity who has taken on human form:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
He is pleased to dwell among men as a man,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Jesus, our God with us!
Hail! the heaven-born
Hail the one born in heaven,
Prince of peace!
The ruler of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Hail to the Son of Righteousness,
Light and life to all he brings,
He brings light and life to all,
Risen with healing in his wings
He has risen with healing in his power,
Mild he lays his glory by,
He humbly sets aside his divine glory,
Born that man no more may die:
Born so that man may not die,
Born to raise the son of earth,
Born to raise the children of the earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Born to give a new birth to mankind.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Listen! The messengers of God are singing,
"Glory to the new-born King!"
"Praise the new King who has been born!"
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, Walt Disney Music Company, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL BATEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind