Acappella - Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Lyrics

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing by Acappella: A Melodious Rendition of a Christmas Classic

During the Christmas season, one of the most recognizable and beloved hymns is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." The song is often sung in churches and played on the radio, and it has been covered by countless artists over the years. One of the most unique and beautiful renditions of the song is by Acappella, a Christian a cappella group that has been making music for over a decade.

" We'll explore the meaning of the song, its origins and history, and how it can be applied to Christian living today.

The Meaning of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

At its core, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics speak of the joy and wonder that surrounded Jesus' birth, and they encourage believers to join in the celebration.

The first verse of the song begins with the words, "Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King!'" This is a reference to the angels who appeared to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-14, announcing the birth of Jesus and declaring, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

The second verse of the song speaks of Jesus as "Christ, by highest heav'n adored" and "the everlasting Lord." These titles emphasize Jesus' divinity and his eternal nature. The verse also describes Jesus as "pleased, as man, with men to dwell," highlighting his humanity and his willingness to come to earth and live among us.

The third verse of the song proclaims Jesus as "the heav'n-born Prince of peace" and "the Son of Righteousness." These titles emphasize Jesus' role as the bringer of peace and the source of righteousness. The verse also speaks of Jesus as "born to raise the sons of earth" and "born to give them second birth," a reference to the new life that believers receive through faith in Christ.

Overall, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and proclaims him as the Savior of the world.

Origins and History of the Song

The lyrics to "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" were written by Charles Wesley, an English poet and hymn writer who lived in the 18th century. Wesley was a contemporary of John Newton, the writer of "Amazing Grace," and together they helped to shape the hymnody of the Methodist Church.

Wesley's original lyrics were slightly different from the version we know today. The opening line was "Hark, how all the welkin rings," with "welkin" meaning "the sky." The line was later changed to "Hark! The herald angels sing" to make the lyrics more accessible to a wider audience.

The melody for the song was written by Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer who lived in the 19th century. Mendelssohn had originally composed the tune as part of a cantata to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. The melody was later adapted to fit Wesley's lyrics, and the resulting song became one of the most beloved Christmas hymns of all time.

Acappella's Rendition of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Acappella's version of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a beautiful and unique take on the classic hymn. The group's use of a cappella harmonies and vocal percussion gives the song a fresh and modern feel, while still maintaining the traditional melody and lyrics.

One of the standout features of Acappella's version is the group's use of dynamics and tempo changes. The song begins with a slow and contemplative intro, before picking up the pace and energy in the first verse. The tempo then slows down again in the second verse, before building to a powerful and joyful crescendo in the third verse.

Another highlight of the song is the group's use of vocal layering and harmonies. The different vocal parts blend together seamlessly, creating a rich and full sound that is both uplifting and soothing.

Overall, Acappella's rendition of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a beautiful and inspiring interpretation of a beloved Christmas hymn.

Practical Application to Christian Living

As Christians, the message of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is one that we can apply to our daily lives. The song reminds us of the joy and wonder of Jesus' birth, and it encourages us to celebrate and praise God for the gift of salvation.

One practical application of the song is to use it as a reminder to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. In the midst of all the holiday hustle and bustle, it can be easy to lose sight of why we are celebrating. By singing and meditating on the lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," we can refocus our hearts and minds on the birth of Jesus and the hope that he brings.

Another practical application of the song is to use it as a tool for evangelism. The lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the world, and they invite others to join in the celebration. By sharing this song with others and explaining its meaning, we can share the good news of Jesus' birth and the hope that he offers to all people.

In conclusion, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a timeless Christmas hymn that continues to inspire and uplift believers all over the world. Acappella's rendition of the song is a beautiful and unique take on the classic, and it serves as a reminder of the joy and wonder of Jesus' birth. As we sing and meditate on the lyrics of this song, may our hearts be filled with gratitude and praise for the gift of salvation that we have received through faith in Christ.