Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir & John Longhurst 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-born 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 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

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a popular Christmas hymn that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics convey a message of joy and praise, encouraging all nations to join in the celebration of the newborn King. The song highlights the themes of peace, mercy, and reconciliation, emphasizing the divine nature of Christ and his role as the Savior.


The first verse begins with the angels proclaiming "Glory to the newborn King!" This echoes the announcement made by the angels to the shepherds in the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth. The line "Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled" speaks to the message of salvation and forgiveness brought by Jesus' birth, highlighting the divine plan to reconcile humanity with God.


The second verse focuses on the exaltation and adoration of Christ. Described as the "Christ the everlasting Lord," he is recognized as the highest heavenly being. The reference to him being born of a virgin emphasizes the miraculous nature of his birth. The line "Pleased as man with man to dwell" expresses the concept of the Incarnation, where Jesus took on human form to live among humanity. The term "Emmanuel" is a Hebrew name meaning "God with us," acknowledging Jesus as the embodiment of God's presence on Earth.


The final verse extols Jesus as the "Prince of peace" and the "Son of Righteousness." It emphasizes his role as the bringer of light, life, and healing to all people. The line "Born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth" refers to Jesus' mission of salvation, offering eternal life and spiritual rebirth to humanity. The repeated refrain of "Glory to the newborn King" reinforces the central message of the song, calling all to join in praising and worshiping Christ.


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 kindness


God and sinners reconciled
God and those who have sinned have been brought back together


Joyful, all ye nations rise
All nations should rise with joy


Join the triumph of the skies
Take part in the victory celebrations of the heavens


With the angelic host proclaim:
Join the angels in loudly declaring:


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


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


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


Christ the everlasting Lord!
Christ is the eternal Lord!


Late in time behold Him come
See Him come at the appointed time


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


Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Observe the divine nature hidden within human form


Hail the incarnate Deity
Rejoice in worship of the God made manifest in flesh


Pleased as man with man to dwell
Content to live among humanity as one of them


Jesus, our Emmanuel
Jesus, our God with us


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


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


Hail the heav'n-born Prince of peace!
Greetings to the Prince of peace, born from heaven!


Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Greetings to the Son of Righteousness!


Light and life to all He brings
He brings illumination and vitality to everyone


Ris'n with healing in His wings
Risen with the power to bring healing


Mild He lays His glory by
Gently, He sets aside His radiance


Born that man no more may die
Born so that humanity may not perish anymore


Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to elevate the people of the world


Born to give them second birth
Born to grant them a new spiritual 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., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Wesley, Felix Mendelssohn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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