Christian
Hymn
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
"Hark!
The Herald Angels Sing" is a popular Christmas hymn written by Charles
Wesley in 1739. The hymn celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and proclaims his
glory and the peace he brings to the world. Here is a summary of the hymn:
Verse
1:
The
hymn begins with the exclamation "Hark!" which means to listen or pay
attention. It calls upon the herald angels to sing and announces the glory of
the newborn King, referring to Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the message of peace
on earth and the reconciliation of God with sinners. It urges all nations to
rise and join in the triumph of the heavenly hosts, proclaiming that Christ is
born in Bethlehem.
Verse
2:
This
verse highlights the adoration of Christ by the highest heaven. It describes
Jesus as the everlasting Lord and acknowledges his miraculous birth as the
offspring of a virgin. It emphasizes the mystery of the incarnation, stating
that the Godhead is veiled in flesh. Jesus is hailed as the incarnate Deity,
who willingly dwells among humanity as both God and man.
Verse
3:
In
this verse, Jesus is hailed as the heavenly Prince of Peace and the Sun of
Righteousness. He is depicted as the bringer of light, life, and healing to
all. It highlights his humility, as he lays aside his heavenly glory and takes
on human form, born to ensure that humanity will no longer face eternal death.
Jesus is portrayed as the one who raises the sons of earth and grants them a
second birth through his redemptive work.
Verse
4:
The
final verse of the hymn addresses Jesus as the Desire of nations, emphasizing
his beauty and the longing for his presence. It asks Jesus to remove the
likeness of Adam, symbolizing the fallen nature of humanity, and to replace it
with his image. The verse implores Jesus to display his saving power and work in
the heart of the believer, restoring and imparting himself to them.
Throughout
the hymn, there is a recurring refrain of "Glory to the newborn
King," which serves as a declaration of praise and adoration for the birth
of Jesus Christ.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Verse
1
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
th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ
is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark!
the herald angels sing,
“Glory
to the newborn King!”
Verse
2
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
th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased
as man with men to dwell,
Jesus
our Emmanuel.
Hark!
the herald angels sing,
“Glory
to the newborn King!”
Verse
3
Hail
the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail
the Sun 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!”
Verse
4
Come,
Desire of nations, come,
Of
beauty, Thou art the sum;
Adam’s
likeness, Lord, efface,
Stamp
Thine image in its place:
Now
display Thy saving power,
Work
in me, restore this hour;
O, to
me Thyself impart,
Visit
this believing heart.
Hark!
the herald angels sing,
“Glory
to the newborn King!”
