Hark the Herald Angels Sing
The Choir Of Westminster Cathedral 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 to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King.

Hail, the heaven-born Prince of peace!
Hail the Sun 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 suns of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King.

Overall Meaning

The Choir of Westminster Cathedral's rendition of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is a classic Christmas hymn that has delighted listeners for over a century. The song's lyrics encompass a range of themes, from the arrival of Jesus Christ to the concept of peace on earth. The first stanza speaks of the herald angels proclaiming the birth of the newborn King and the reconciliation of God and sinners. The second stanza focuses on the awe-inspiring nature of Jesus Christ as the highest heaven adored and eternal Lord, who is now with us as Emmanuel, God with us.

The third and final stanza heralds Christ as the heaven-born Prince of peace and the Sun of righteousness, who brings light and life to all. The idea of Christ laying his glory by and being born to give second birth to humanity is explored. The hymn has a triumphant tone of joy and celebration, encouraging all nations to rise with the angelic host and celebrate the birth of our savior in Bethlehem.

Line by Line Meaning

Hark! the herald angels sing,
Listen! The angels sent by God are singing,

Glory to the newborn King,
Praise and honor to the newly born King,

peace on earth, and mercy mild,
Peace and mild mercy on the Earth,

God and sinners reconcile.
God and sinners are brought back together in harmony,

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
All nations should rise in joyful celebration,

Join the triumph of the skies;
Become a part of the angels' triumph in heaven,

with the angelic host proclaim,
Proclaim along with the heavenly angels,

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

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ who is worshiped by the highest heaven,

Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Christ who is the eternal ruler,

Late in time behold him come,
After a long time has passed, behold his arrival,