Lyrics
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria, Gloria praise the King of Heaven
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord the newborn King
Gloria, Gloria
Gloria, Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Gloria” retells the Bethlehem announcement through images drawn from the Christmas story. Angels sing above the plains, mountains answer their praise, and the invitation to come to Bethlehem directs attention to Christ as the newborn King. The recurring Latin phrase “Gloria in excelsis Deo” places glory to God at the center, while the added call to praise the King of Heaven turns the carol into direct worship.
The movement from hearing the angels to approaching on bended knee gives the song a clear devotional shape. Wonder leads to adoration, and the repeated refrain allows the central confession to carry the song. Its language closely echoes Luke’s account of the heavenly host praising God at Jesus’ birth, while the visit to Bethlehem recalls the shepherds going to see what had been announced. The result is a concise celebration of the incarnation, marked by joy, reverence, and praise.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:13-14 The heavenly host praises God at the announcement of Jesus’ birth.
- Luke 2:15-16 The shepherds go to Bethlehem and find the newborn Christ.