Josh Wilson - Angels We Have Heard On High Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1:
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Chorus 1:
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Verse 2:
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav'nly song
Chorus 2:
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Verse 3:
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
Verse 4:
See Him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise
Mary, Joseph, lend you aid
While our hearts in love we raise
Video
Angels We Have Heard On High
Meaning & Inspiration
Josh Wilson's rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High," found on his 2012 album *Noel*, offers a deeply resonant reinterpretation of a beloved Christmas carol, grounding its familiar narrative in the profound theological significance of Christ's birth. While the song retains the traditional framework of the original hymn, Wilson’s arrangement, though not the primary focus here, serves as a gentle vehicle for a message that is both ancient and eternally relevant. The song's strength lies in its unwavering adherence to the scriptural account of the Nativity, transforming a sweet melody into a powerful declaration of God's redemptive plan unfolding in humble circumstances.
The lyrical narrative, rooted in Luke chapter 2, immediately transports us to the plains outside Bethlehem where the heavenly host appears to shepherds. The "joyous strains" are not merely a pleasant sound but a divine announcement, a proclamation that interrupts the ordinary lives of those tending their flocks. This moment echoes the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, which foretells a child who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The angels' song, captured in the recurring "Gloria in excelsis Deo," translates to "Glory to God in the highest," a sentiment that perfectly aligns with the scriptural depiction of the angels praising God for the salvation brought by the newborn King, as seen in Luke 2:14. This phrase itself is a direct theological statement, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the ultimate purpose of Christ's coming – to bring glory to the Father.
Wilson’s choice to present the shepherds' query, "Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?" is a brilliant narrative device. It invites the listener, much like the shepherds were invited, to understand the extraordinary nature of this event. The "gladsome tidings" are not simply good news; they are the inauguration of a new covenant, the fulfillment of countless prophecies. The tidings inspire a "heav'nly song" because they signify the Incarnation, God Himself entering human history. This is the pivotal moment described in John 1:14: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The angels’ song serves as the initial herald of this astounding reality.
The invitation to "Come to Bethlehem and see / Christ whose birth the angels sing" is a direct call to faith, mirroring the Magi's journey guided by a star and the shepherds' pilgrimage. It’s an encouragement to move beyond passive observation and actively participate in the adoration of the newborn King. The lyrics artfully connect the angelic praise with the earthly worship that should follow, urging us to "adore on bended knee." This posture of humility and reverence is paramount; it is recognition of Christ's divine authority and the immensity of His sacrifice to come. The final verse, depicting Christ "in a manger laid," underscores the deliberate humility of God's entry into the world, a stark contrast to earthly notions of kingship. Yet, it is precisely in this vulnerability that His power is most evident. The intercession for Mary and Joseph to "lend you aid" while "our hearts in love we raise" highlights the human element of the Nativity, the earthly family chosen to nurture the divine child, and implicitly encourages our own participation in loving and supporting Christ's work in the world today. The song, through its steadfast focus on these foundational truths, reminds us that the Christmas story is not merely a historical event but an ongoing invitation to embrace the King of Kings.