Angels We Have Heard On High
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly swinging o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Shepherds why this jubilee
Why your joyous strains prolong
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
See Him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
While our hearts in love we raise.
Pentatonix - Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels We Have Heard On High Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Angels We Have Heard On High" by All Things New is a rendition of a classic Christmas carol, drawing its inspiration from the traditional French carol "Les Anges dans nos campagnes." The song recounts the biblical narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, beginning with the ethereal scene of angels singing high above the fields. This heavenly chorus prompts a response from the earthly landscape, as mountains echo their joyful sounds.
The lyrics capture the wonder and curiosity of the shepherds who witness this extraordinary event. They question the reason for the angels' jubilant song and the shepherds' own celebration, seeking the "gladsome tidings" that inspire such a heavenly melody. This sets the stage for the central message of the carol.
The song then transitions to an invitation for listeners to journey to Bethlehem to witness the fulfillment of the angelic prophecy. It urges them to adore the newborn King, emphasizing the act of coming before Christ on bended knee in reverence. The narrative continues by describing the humble setting of the manger where the baby is found, highlighting the paradox of the divine being laid in such a place, yet praised by the choirs of angels. The song culminates in a call for human hearts to also be lifted in love and praise.
The core meaning of "Angels We Have Heard On High" centers on the announcement of Christ's birth as a cause for immense joy and worship, shared by both heavenly hosts and earthly observers. It encapsulates the essence of the Nativity story, highlighting the humility of the Messiah's arrival and the universal call to adoration. Related scripture verses that inform the carol's narrative include Luke 2:8-14, which describes the angels appearing to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, announcing the birth of the Savior and singing praises to God, proclaiming "Glory to God in the highest."
The recurring Latin phrase "Gloria In Excelsis Deo" serves as the central refrain, meaning "Glory to God in the highest." This phrase is taken directly from the angels' song in Luke 2:14 and acts as a powerful, repetitive declaration of praise that underscores the entire message of the carol, reinforcing the theme of giving glory to God for the gift of His Son.
