Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Rascal Flatts Lyrics


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Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconcile
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

Christ by highest heaven 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 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 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" by Rascal Flatts capture the essence of the traditional Christmas carol and its message of joy, hope, and peace. In the first verse, the song opens with the exclamation "Hark!" which means to listen attentively. It calls on the herald angels to sing in praise of the newborn King, Jesus. The lyrics express the glory and majesty associated with the birth of Jesus as well as the significance of his arrival on earth. The mention of peace on earth and mercy mild highlights the peaceful nature of his mission and his willingness to bring reconciliation between God and sinners.


Throughout the song, the lyrics emphasize the joyous response to Christ's birth from all nations. The call for all to rise and join in the triumph of the skies signifies that the news of Jesus' birth is cause for celebration amongst the angelic host and on earth. The proclamation of "Christ is born in Bethlehem" refers to the historical birthplace of Jesus and reaffirms his divinity and significance.


The second verse focuses on the adoration of Christ, acknowledging him as the everlasting Lord and the one who is highly revered in heaven. The mention of him coming as the offspring of a virgin's womb highlights the miraculous nature of his birth. The line "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see" signifies the mystery of the incarnation, in which Jesus, the divine being, takes on human form.


The lyrics go on to portray Jesus as the embodiment of hope and peace. He is described as the heaven-born Prince of peace and the Son of righteousness. His arrival brings light and life to all and offers healing to those in need. The phrase "Mild he lays his glory by" illustrates Jesus' humble nature, as he sets aside his divine glory to live among humanity. The purpose of his birth is to save mankind from eternal death and offer them a second birth, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and salvation.


In conclusion, Rascal Flatts's rendition of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" echoes the original hymn's message of joy, peace, and the significance of Jesus' birth. The lyrics highlight the divine nature of Jesus, his role in bringing reconciliation between God and humanity, and his mission to bring hope and eternal life to all.


Line by Line Meaning

Hark! the herald angels sing
Listen! The heavenly messengers are singing


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


Peace on earth and mercy mild
May there be peace on earth and gentle mercy


God and sinners reconcile
God and sinners are brought back together


Joyful all ye nations rise
All nations rise with joy


Join the triumph of the skies
Participate in the triumph of the skies


With the angelic host proclaim
Proclaim in the company of angelic hosts


'Christ is born in Bethlehem'
'Christ has been born in Bethlehem'


Christ by highest heaven adored
Christ adored by the highest heaven


Christ the everlasting Lord
Christ, the eternal Lord


Late in time behold him come
Behold him coming at a later time


Offspring of a virgin's womb
Born from the womb of a virgin


Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
See the Godhead concealed in a human body


Hail, the incarnate deity
Greetings to the divine being in human form


Pleased as Man with Man to dwell
Happy to live as a human among humans


Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Jesus, our God with us!


Hail, the heaven-born Prince of peace!
Greetings to the peace-bringing Prince born from heaven!


Hail the Son of righteousness!
Greetings to the Son of righteousness!


Light and life to all he brings
He brings light and life to everyone


Risen with healing in his wings
Risen with the power to heal


Mild he lays his glory by
Gently setting aside his glory


Born that man no more may die
Born so that mankind will never die again


Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to lift up the children of the earth


Born to give them second birth
Born to give them a new life


Hark! the herald angels sing
Listen! The heavenly messengers are singing


Glory to the newborn King
Praise and honor to the recently 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., Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Wesley, Felix Mendelssohn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Abigale Buss

I can listen to Rascal Flatts sing Christmas music all
day ❤️

Herminia Hernandez

Angelic voices, can never get enough of Rascal Flatts. At work would listen to their CDs all day.

Brittany Conner

They just melt my heart!!! By far my favorite band!!!!

Leota Faulkner

this is beautiful! I love the Harmonies and a capella style.

OldSkool Master

Wow! an instant classic! From someone as myself who was raised on the golden classics from the 50's through 90's.....instant gold

blackkabnet

Hearing their voices, it's like they're giving more meaning the lyrics of this song. He is king.

Jenna Meshejian

I watched this on tv, you guys are truly angels. My whole family loves you, you always bring us to tears. ♡ U GUYS :)

Bethany Anthony

beautiful harmony's😍😍😍 love y'all so much😍 Amazing song!!!!😍😍😍😍

Erin Boatright

love it! so beautiful God bless!

Lorri Marriott

Y'all knocked this out of the park. Beautifully done.

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