Angels We Have Heard On High
Nicole C. Mullen Lyrics

The opening lines of this Christmas hymn borrow from the Biblical story of the Nativity, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields and announced his arrival with the words "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The phrase "Angels we have on heard high" references this story and evokes the image of celestial beings singing above the heads of ordinary people on earth. This idea is reinforced by the following line, which describes the echo of the angelic song reverberating through the mountains. The repetition of the phrase "Gloria in excelsis Deo" emphasizes the heavenly nature of the event being described.

The second half of the song invites the listener to join the shepherds in going to Bethlehem to witness the newborn King, whom the angels are singing about. The phrase "Come to Bethlehem and see" urges the listener to make a physical journey to the place where God's presence is made manifest in human form. In the next line, the repetition of the word "come" emphasizes the humility and reverence with which one should approach the Christ child. The final repetition of "Gloria in excelsis Deo" serves as a triumphant affirmation of the fulfillment of the angels' message and the joy that comes with it.