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
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Refrain
Glory in the highest
Glory in the highest
Verse 2
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord the newborn King
Chorus
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Bridge
Angels sing for Christ our King
Stars rejoice so we will sing
Glory to God in the highest
Glory to God in the highest
Bridge
Angels sing for Christ our King
Stars rejoice so we will sing
Glory to God in the highest
Glory to God in the high()est
Chorus
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Refrain
Glory in the highest
Glory in the highest
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Angels We Have Heard on High" celebrates the nativity through the image of angelic song resounding across the landscape. The verses move from the shepherds' heard joy to Bethlehem, where Christ is adored as the newborn King. The repeated Latin refrain, "Gloria in excelsis Deo," keeps the focus on glory to God in the highest.
The bridge expands the carol's celebration with angels, stars, and worshipers joining in praise. Its language closely echoes Luke's account of the heavenly host proclaiming glory to God and peace at Jesus' birth. The invitation to come and bowkend in Bethlehem gives the song a clear worship center: the child announced by the angels is Christ the Lord. Its repeated declarations also unite traditional carol language with a direct congregational response to the good news of Christ’s coming.
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.