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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Charles Wesley 1739 Tune: Mendelssohn (7.7.7.7 D with refrain)

Charles Wesley's Christmas hymn proclaiming the incarnation of God in Christ.

Quick Answer

Charles Wesley's Christmas hymn proclaiming the incarnation of God in Christ. Written by Charles Wesley (1739), set to the tune "Mendelssohn" by Felix Mendelssohn (adapted by W. H. Cummings).

Suggested pairing scripture

Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Read Luke 2:14 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing at evangelistic gatherings, baptisms, and testimony services where God's saving grace is the theme.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!"

Stanza 2

Christ, by highest heav'n adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold Him come, Offspring of the Virgin's womb: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th' incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!"

Stanza 3

Hail the heav'n-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 sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!"

History & Background

Charles Wesley first published the hymn in 1739 as 'Hymn for Christmas-Day'. George Whitefield revised the opening line. In 1855, William H. Cummings paired the text with a chorus from Felix Mendelssohn's 1840 'Festgesang'.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Read in context

Malachi 4:2

"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Charles Wesley write the music too?

No. Wesley wrote the words in 1739; the familiar tune comes from Felix Mendelssohn's 1840 cantata 'Festgesang', adapted to the hymn in 1855 by William H. Cummings.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Reginald Heber · 1826

Blessed Assurance

Fanny J. Crosby · 1873

Silent Night

Joseph Mohr · 1818

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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Charles Wesley • 1739

Holy, Holy, Holy

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Where to go next

Enjoyed "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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