Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus Lyrics

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Hark the herald angels sing
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"

Hark! The herald angels sing
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 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 on high
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 song "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a hymn that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and the joyous news of his arrival.

In the first verse, the angels are depicted singing in celebration of the birth of the newborn King. The phrase "Glory to the newborn King!" emphasizes the divine nature and importance of Jesus. The lyrics also express the desire for peace on earth and the hope for God's mercy to be bestowed upon sinners, reconciling them with God.

The second verse acknowledges Jesus as the one who is adored by the highest heavens and the everlasting Lord. It highlights the miraculous event of Jesus being born to a virgin, emphasizing his divine origin. The phrase "veiled in flesh, the Godhead see" suggests that despite Jesus taking on human form, he is still the embodiment of the divine.

The third verse hails Jesus as the Prince of Peace and the Son of Righteousness. It highlights his role in bringing light and life to all, symbolizing his ability to bring spiritual healing and salvation. The line "ris'n with healing in his wings" refers to the metaphorical wings of Jesus, which represent his power to bring renewal and transformation. The lyrics also express Jesus' purpose in his birth, which is to save humanity from eternal death and offer them a second chance at life.

Overall, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a hymn that proclaims the joyous news of the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his divine nature, the hope for peace and mercy, and his role as the Savior of humanity. It encourages listeners to join in the celebration and worship of the newborn King.

Line by Line Meaning

Hark the herald angels sing
Listen, the messengers from heaven 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 compassionate forgiveness

God and sinners reconciled
God and sinners have been brought back together

Joyful, all ye nations rise
Rejoice, all nations, awaken and stand up

Join the triumph of the skies
Unite in the victory proclaimed by the heavens

With the angelic host proclaim:
Together with the angelic army, announce:

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
"Christ has been born in Bethlehem"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ worshipped by the highest heaven

Christ the everlasting Lord!
Christ, the eternal ruler!

Late in time behold Him come
In the fullness of time, behold His arrival