“Hark the herald angels sing” was written by Charles Wesley in 1739, who requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald angels sing” was originally sung to an altogether different tune.
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Over a hundred years later English musician William H. Cummings adapted a cantata written by Felix Mendelssohn to fit the lyrics of “Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley.
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Hark the herald angels sing : Lyrics
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!”
If you enjoy singing along with your favourite Christmas carols and songs, you can find the lyrics to all fifteen of our favourites by clicking here
Why not print this Christmas carol out and have a sing-a-long with friends and family.
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