Fresh Life Worship - Hark! Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
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
Verse 2
Christ, by highest heaven adored
Christ, the everlasting Lord
Late in time behold him come
Offspring of the virgin's womb
Hail the flesh, the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark, the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Verse 3
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 newborn King
Video
Hark!
Meaning & Inspiration
Fresh Life Worship delivers a profound and timely spiritual experience with their highly anticipated release, "Hark!", arriving on December 4, 2025. Far from a mere cover, this rendition of the cherished Christmas carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," breathes new life into a timeless declaration of faith. Originally penned by Charles Wesley in 1739, the hymn itself is a theological masterpiece, summarizing the core tenets of the Christian faith surrounding the birth of Jesus. Fresh Life Worship’s approach is not to alter these hallowed lyrics, but rather to amplify their eternal truth, presenting them with an energy that resonates deeply in a contemporary worship setting, ensuring the foundational message of Christ's advent continues to inspire generations.
The very first verse immediately plunges us into the core narrative of Christ's birth, echoing the dramatic events unfolded in the Gospel accounts. "Hark, the herald angels sing / Glory to the newborn King" calls to mind the celestial chorus described in Luke 2:13-14, where a multitude of heavenly host proclaimed "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" This angelic announcement isn't just a historical event; it's a divine declaration of a new covenant. The subsequent lines, "Peace on earth and mercy mild / God and sinners reconciled," encapsulate the profound theological significance of Jesus's arrival. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a spiritual restoration, mending the fractured relationship between humanity and God. As Romans 5:10 states, "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." Christ’s birth sets in motion the plan for this ultimate reconciliation, making way for mercy to triumph over judgment. The joyous invitation to "Joyful, all ye nations, rise / Join the triumph of the skies" extends this salvific message universally, acknowledging that Christ's coming is for all peoples, a truth reflected in prophecies like Isaiah 49:6. The verse concludes by anchoring us firmly in historical fact and prophetic fulfillment: "With angelic host proclaim / Christ is born in Bethlehem," a direct fulfillment of Micah 5:2.
Moving into the second verse, the focus shifts to the majestic nature and divine identity of the newborn King. "Christ, by highest heaven adored / Christ, the everlasting Lord" powerfully asserts Jesus's pre-existence and eternal sovereignty. This aligns with Scripture that declares His divine nature from before creation, as seen in John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," and Colossians 1:17, which affirms He "is before all things, and in him all things hold together." The hymn then beautifully describes the Incarnation: "Late in time behold him come / Offspring of the virgin's womb." This highlights the miraculous birth, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23, emphasizing that this "Emmanuel" – God with us – arrived at God's appointed time. The lines "Hail the flesh, the Godhead see / Hail the incarnate Deity" are a profound theological statement, celebrating the mystery of God becoming man. John 1:14 confirms this incredible truth: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." It is in this dual nature—fully God, fully man—that Jesus can truly "dwell as man with man," establishing an intimacy and empathy with humanity that is central to His redemptive work.
The final verse unveils the glorious purpose and transformative power inherent in Christ's advent. "Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace / Hail the Son of Righteousness" employs messianic titles that underscore Jesus's role and character. "Prince of Peace," from Isaiah 9:6, speaks to His power to bring profound inner peace and an end to spiritual warfare, while "Son of Righteousness" alludes to Malachi 4:2, often translated as "Sun of Righteousness," promising healing and restoration. The subsequent phrase, "Light and life to all He brings / Risen with healing in His wings," powerfully connects His birth to His ultimate triumph. Jesus himself declared, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12) and "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). The inclusion of "Risen" subtly but significantly points beyond the manger to the cross and empty tomb, affirming that His victory over death is integral to the healing He provides, both physically and spiritually. The hymn’s profound declaration, "Mild He lays His glory by / Born that man no more may die," highlights Christ's astounding humility in setting aside His divine prerogatives to take on human form, ultimately to conquer death itself (Hebrews 2:14-15). This leads directly to the ultimate purpose: He was "Born to raise the sons of earth / Born to give them second birth." This refers to spiritual regeneration, the profound transformation described by Jesus in John 3:3, where He teaches that "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." This second birth is the essence of new life in Christ, a testament to the radical, life-altering power that stems from the very first Christmas.
Fresh Life Worship's "Hark!" is more than a festive tune; it is a powerful proclamation, a theological journey through the incarnation, atonement, and promise of new life found in Jesus Christ. By delivering these enduring lyrics with contemporary vibrancy, they encourage a fresh encounter with the profound truth of Christmas. The song serves as a compelling call to worship, inviting all to join the heavenly chorus in celebrating the King who brings peace, reconciliation, and the opportunity for eternal life. It’s a masterful re-presentation of the Gospel, poised to resonate deeply and inspire hearts to ponder the incredible love embodied in a God who would come to dwell with us, making good on His promise to reconcile and redeem.