Come to Bethlehem and see
More than a story, it'll set you free
Are you tired of the running?
Are you tired of the shame?
Baby born in a manger's gonna break every chain
Angels fill up the heavens with the sound of His name
Gloria
To the Promised One, to the only Son
Gloria
Now the Peasant King changes everything
Angels we have heard on high
Pierce the silent midnight sky
From a throne to a manger
Trading glory for shame
From a King to a stranger
With a love to proclaim
Angels fill up the heavens with the sound of His name
Gloria
To the Promised One, to the only Son
Gloria
Now the Peasant King changes everything
Come adore on bended knee
Lay your burden at the feet
Of Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Come adore on bended knee
Lay your burden at His feet
Of Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Gloria
Gloria
Gloria
To the Promised One, to the only Son
Gloria
Now the Peasant King changes everything
Gloria / Angels We Have Heard On High
Gloria / Angels We Have Heard On High Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Casting Crowns released "Gloria / Angels We Have Heard On High" on November 10, 2017, offering a contemporary reflection on the Christmas story. The song weaves original lyrics with the traditional carol "Angels We Have Heard On High," creating a narrative that calls listeners to move beyond seeing Christmas as merely a historical account to experiencing its transformative power. It poses questions about weariness, running, and shame, presenting the birth of the baby in the manger as the ultimate answer that can break every chain, emphasizing the freeing nature of Christ's arrival.
The song powerfully articulates the core message of the angelic proclamation, referencing the heavenly hosts filling the skies with the sound of His name and singing "Gloria," a declaration of glory. This glory is directed towards the "Promised One," identified as the "only Son," a central tenet of Christian belief. The lyrics highlight a profound contrast between Christ's divine nature and His humble entry into the world, describing the journey from a "throne to a manger," "trading glory for shame," and transforming from a "King to a stranger" to proclaim love. This paradox of divine power veiled in human vulnerability is central to the song's message, portraying Him as the "Peasant King" who fundamentally alters everything.
The narrative progresses to a direct call to worship, urging listeners to "come adore on bended knee" and "lay your burden at His feet." This invitation emphasizes personal surrender and the act of placing one's struggles and heavy loads before Christ the Lord, the newborn King. It connects the historical event of Christ's birth with a present-day call to faith and submission, promising relief and transformation through adoration and trust in Him. The repeated refrain of "Gloria" serves as both a celebration of Christ's arrival and a response of worship from the listener, echoing the angels' declaration and underscoring the ultimate glory due to the Promised One.
Scriptural themes resonate throughout the lyrics. The call to "Come to Bethlehem and see" aligns with prophecy (Micah 5:2) and fulfillment (Matthew 2:1-6). The idea of setting free and breaking chains connects with Jesus' mission as described in Luke 4:18 and the concept of freedom in Christ (John 8:36). The description of angels praising God (Luke 2:13-14) is directly incorporated. Identifying Jesus as the "Promised One" relates to numerous Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6) and "only Son" to John 3:16. The profound humility of Christ moving from divinity to human form (Philippians 2:5-8) is mirrored in phrases like "From a throne to a manger" and "Trading glory for shame." The call to worship "on bended knee" finds parallel in future adoration (Philippians 2:9-11), and the invitation to lay burdens down echoes the comforting words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 and the instruction in 1 Peter 5:7.
