Lyrics
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing over the plains
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Shepherds, why this Jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord,
The newborn King
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
See Him in a manger laid
Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth!
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
With us sing our Savior's birth.
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Glo-ori-a
In excelsis de-o
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Angels We Have Heard on High” retells the announcement of Jesus’ birth through the voices of angels, shepherds, and worshipers. The opening scene places heavenly song over the fields and mountains, with the recurring “Gloria in excelsis Deo” answering the news in praise. Questions to the shepherds lead into an invitation to Bethlehem, where Christ is identified as Lord and newborn King. The final verse gathers Mary, Joseph, and the worshiping community around the manger.
Luke 2:8-14 is the song’s clearest biblical setting: shepherds hear the angelic announcement and a multitude praises God with words of glory. The invitation to come, see, and adore also reflects the shepherds’ response in Luke 2:15-20, when they go to Bethlehem and then glorify God for what they have witnessed. By alternating narrative verses with a repeated hymn of glory, the carol presents the nativity as news that calls for reverence, joy, and public praise of Christ.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:8-14 Angels announce Christ’s birth to shepherds and sing glory to God.
- Luke 2:15-20 The shepherds go to Bethlehem, see the child, and return praising God.