The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Angels From the Realms of Glory
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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Wing your flight o'er all the earth,
Ye who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth,
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant Light,
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar,
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star,
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!
Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear,
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King!
The song "Angels From the Realms of Glory" by Mormon Tabernacle Choir vividly captures the essence of the story of Jesus' birth as it echoes the message delivered by the angels. The first verse calls out to the angels from the realms of glory, who announced the creation of the world, to proclaim the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. The second verse is addressed to the shepherds, who received the message of Jesus' birth through the light of the angels in the sky. The shepherds are encouraged to come and worship the newborn king. The third verse is directed towards the sages, who were following a star in search of the newborn king. The message encourages them to worship the Christ, who is the great desire of nations. Lastly, the fourth verse is for the saints who are worshipping before the altar, waiting in hope and fear for the Lord's descending to the temple.
The song showcases the significance of Jesus' birth in the eyes of people from different walks of life. It emphasizes the power of the message of the angels, who bring the good news of the birth of the Messiah. The lyrics bring out the theme of worship, and it calls out to the people to come and worship Christ, the newborn king. The song's tone is celebratory and full of joy, which reflects the excitement and happiness of the people upon hearing the message of Jesus' birth.
Line by Line Meaning
Angels from the realms of glory,
Celestial beings from the divine realm, spread your wings and fly over the entire earth.
Wing your flight o'er all the earth,
Take flight and soar over every inch of the earth.
Ye who sang creation's story,
You, who harmonized the story of the beginning of the world.
Now proclaim Messiah's birth,
Announce with joy the birth of the Savior, the Messiah.
Come and worship,
Gather and pay homage.
Worship Christ, the newborn King!
Celebrate and show reverence to the newly born King, Christ.
Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
Shepherds who continually watch their flocks in the fields.
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
Keeping a close eye on the flocks during the night hours.
God with man is now residing,
The divine has come to live among humans.
Yonder shines the infant Light,
Over there, the light of a newborn baby is radiant.
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Wise individuals, abandon your deep thinking and philosophizing.
Brighter visions beam afar,
More magnificent visions are visible from a distance.
Seek the great desire of nations,
Search for the essential fulfillment that every nation longs for.
Ye have seen His natal star,
You witnessed and recognized the star that marks His birth.
Saints before the altar bending,
Devout believers bowing before the altar.
Watching long in hope and fear,
Prolonged vigilance filled with anticipation and anxiety.
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
The Lord will quickly come down.
In His temple shall appear,
He will manifest within His sacred dwelling place.
Worship Christ, the newborn King!
Adore and show devotion to the newly born King, Christ.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: James Montgomery
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dutchymcdutch2553
Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant light:
[Chorus:]
Gloria in excelsis deo 1
Gloria in excelsis deo
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star;
[Chorus]
Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear:
Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:
[Chorus]
Gloria Deo.
@vijayshripal5068
1 Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
[Chorus]
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
2. Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song?
Chorus]
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
3. Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Chorus]
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
@Jack-er6wi
The climactic “gather all the nations to him” is one of the best Tabernacle Choir moments. Period.
@WanderingWind71
1:23 "Saints, before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear. Suddenly the Lord descending, In his tеmple shall appear" Lord, yes Jesus! Come quickly! I pray to see that wonderful day!
@roxahnebelnap6588
I really like singing along - David is easy to sing with - Thank you for honoring our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ and our Beloved Heavenly Father.
@emily.gramley
Haven’t heard this song since the last time I went to Christmas mass with my Poppop. Going on 3 years now. I miss you every day ❤️
@hollyfay7338
This rendition ALWAYS brings the Spirit of our Lord into my heart and enriches my soul.
@ler5299
His voice leaves me speechless every time.
@mikaaoife6557
One of the best choir performances I have seen.
@coleyboley14
For sure!! I've been going every year and this by far is my favorite!!! 😃
@pabuckie
Beautiful Christmas Special with David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Truly loved watching it!
@donnamontanarella2403
It is such a treat to see and hear David Archuleta! His voice is so pure and beautiful! This whole performance is spectacular! I appreciate a true Christmas performance giving glory to Jesus our Lord and Savior!