Lyrics
Hark the herald angels sing "Glory to the new born King
Peace on earth and mercy mild ,God an sinners reconciled"
Joyful all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim "Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark the herald angels sing "Glory to the new born King"
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come, Offspring of the favored one.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Diety
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel
Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King"
Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace. Hail the son 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"
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” celebrates the birth of Christ by joining angelic praise with a concise account of his identity and saving work. Its opening announces glory, peace, and reconciliation, then invites the nations to rejoice in Bethlehem’s newborn King. Later verses describe the eternal Lord taking human flesh, dwelling among humanity as Immanuel, and bringing light, life, healing, and new birth. The result is a Christmas hymn whose joy rests on the incarnation and its promise of restored fellowship with God.
Luke 2:10–14 supplies the clearest biblical setting, recording the angels’ announcement of Christ’s birth and their song of glory to God and peace on earth. Matthew 1:23 identifies Jesus as Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” directly supporting the hymn’s confession. Malachi 4:2 speaks of the sun of righteousness rising with healing, an image explicitly echoed in the final verse. These references show how the carol gathers several biblical themes into praise of Christ as King, incarnate Lord, Prince of Peace, and giver of new life.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-14 Angels announce the birth of Christ and praise God for glory and peace.
- Matthew 1:23 Jesus is identified as Immanuel, meaning God with us.
- Malachi 4:2 The sun of righteousness is described as rising with healing.