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 th'angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Chorus
And hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Verse 2
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 th'incarnate Deity
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell
Jesus our Emmanuel
Chorus (Repeat)
And hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Verse 3
Hail the heav'nly Prince of Peace
Hail the Sun 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
Chorus (Repeat)
And hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The hymn presents the birth of Christ as good news for the nations. Its opening verse echoes the angelic proclamation of glory and peace, then names the newborn Jesus as the King who reconciles God and sinners. The recurring chorus keeps that announcement at the center of each verse and gives the song its communal, celebratory character.
Later lines describe Christ as the everlasting Lord, Emmanuel, and the Prince of Peace. The image of the Sun of Righteousness with healing in His wings clearly echoes the prophecy in Malachi, while the name Emmanuel recalls the Gospel account of God with His people. The closing verse moves from the manger toward the purpose of the Incarnation: light, life, healing, and new birth. This rendering therefore holds together Christmas celebration and a concise confession of Christian hope, presenting the newborn King as both truly divine and present among humanity to bring reconciliation and life.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:13-14 The heavenly host proclaims glory to God and peace at the birth of Christ.
- Matthew 1:23 Jesus is identified as Emmanuel, meaning God with us.
- Malachi 4:2 The Sun of Righteousness is described as rising with healing in its wings.