Citizens - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Lyrics
Lyrics
Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and 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 newborn King!"
Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heavenly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n 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 newborn King!"
Video
Citizens & Saints - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Citizens released their rendition of the beloved carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," on December 9, 2014, offering a fresh yet reverent take on a timeless message. While many familiar hymns focus on the sweet sentimentality of Christmas, this particular carol, from its very inception, serves as a profound theological declaration, and Citizens’ interpretation faithfully amplifies its weighty truths for a contemporary audience.
The original carol, penned by the eminent hymn writer Charles Wesley in 1739, wasn't merely a festive tune but a condensed sermon on the Incarnation. It captures the astonishment and triumph of heaven and earth at the arrival of Jesus Christ. Wesley meticulously wove together prophecy, theology, and worship, inviting all to join the celestial chorus proclaiming the miraculous birth that forever altered human destiny. This hymn transcends simple storytelling to articulate the deepest doctrines of Christian faith, a tradition Citizens proudly continues.
At its core, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" celebrates the glorious reconciliation of humanity with God, a central theme that Citizens helps us truly grasp. The line, "God and sinners reconciled," isn't just a pretty phrase; it encapsulates the entire gospel. Before Christ, humanity was estranged from a holy God due to sin, but through the newborn King, peace was made. This profound truth echoes Romans 5:10, reminding us that "while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son," and further, 2 Corinthians 5:19 declares that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself." Citizens' version prompts a deeper reflection on this divine initiative, where the Creator steps into His creation not to condemn, but to bridge the chasm.
The song then moves to extol Christ's unparalleled identity, declaring Him "by highest heav'n adored" and "the everlasting Lord." These lines aren't mere poetic flourish; they assert Jesus' eternal pre-existence and divine nature. When we hear "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see," it’s a stunning articulation of John 1:14, that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The infinite, all-powerful God humbled Himself to take on human form, as Philippians 2:7 beautifully describes, "emptying Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." This paradox of the divine made human, the immortal entering mortality, is the heartbeat of Christmas and the very foundation of our hope.
Crucially, the carol unveils the ultimate purpose behind this miraculous birth: redemption and new life. The declaration "Born that man no more may die" directly confronts the consequence of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). Christ’s birth sets in motion the plan for humanity's deliverance from spiritual and eternal death. Furthermore, the profound phrase "Born to give them second birth" directly references Jesus’ teaching in John 3:3, where He states, "Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." This isn't just a physical birth but a spiritual transformation, an invitation into a renewed relationship with God, made possible by the Savior’s arrival.
The titles attributed to Christ in the hymn further illuminate His saving work. Hailing Him as "the heavenly Prince of Peace" directly recalls Isaiah 9:6, a Messianic prophecy that foretold His reign would bring true, lasting peace, not just outwardly, but inwardly, reconciling hearts to God. Similarly, "Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings" evokes Malachi 4:2, which speaks of the "sun of righteousness [rising] with healing in its wings." These descriptions paint a picture of a King who doesn't dominate with force but reigns with justice, mercy, and restorative power, dispelling spiritual darkness and offering abundant life to all who receive Him.
Throughout Citizens’ rendition, the powerful refrain, "Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King!'" serves as an unwavering call to worship. It echoes the joyous proclamation of the angelic host in Luke 2:14, inviting us to join their eternal chorus. This isn't a historical anecdote but an ongoing, present reality. The message of Christ’s birth, His divine identity, and His redemptive mission remains as vital today as it was on that first Christmas night. We are called to heed this divine announcement, to recognize the profound significance of God dwelling among us.
Ultimately, Citizens' take on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is more than just a musical performance; it is an act of spiritual guidance. By focusing our attention on the rich, biblical truths embedded in Wesley’s lyrics, they encourage us to move beyond superficial celebration and into deep, theological understanding and fervent adoration. It inspires us to embrace the wonder of the Incarnation, the power of reconciliation, and the promise of new life that flow from the birth of our "newborn King," compelling us to share this glorious message with the world.