Mariah Carey - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Gloria (In Excelsis Deo) Lyrics
Lyrics
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the new born 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 new born King
To the new born King
In Excelsis Deo
Gloria...
In Excelsis Deo
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the new born King
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconcile
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 new born King
To the new born King
In Excelsis Deo
Video
Mariah Carey - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Gloria (In Excelsis Deo) (Official Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Mariah Carey’s rendition of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Gloria (In Excelsis Deo),” released on September 14, 2015, offers a captivating vocal interpretation of this classic Christmas hymn, firmly rooted in the profound narrative of Christ’s birth. The song doesn't merely present a familiar melody; it delves into the very heart of the biblical account, calling listeners to reflect on the immense significance of this event. The opening lines, proclaiming "Glory to the new born King," echo the angelic announcement to the shepherds, as recounted in Luke 2:10-11, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." This joyous proclamation is further amplified by the declaration of "Peace on earth and mercy mild," a theme intrinsically linked to Jesus' arrival. Isaiah 9:6 prophesied of the child born, "And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Carey’s performance emphasizes this divine peace, which transcends human understanding and conflict, offering reconciliation between God and humanity. The lyric, "God and sinners reconciled," directly speaks to the atoning work of Christ, a concept central to Christian theology. Romans 5:10 beautifully encapsulates this, stating, "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." The call for "Joyful all ye nations rise" and to "Join the triumph of the skies" invites a universal celebration, mirroring the universal scope of salvation offered through Christ. The repeated refrain, "Christ is born in Bethlehem," grounds the celestial announcement in the tangible reality of His birth, as foretold in Micah 5:2, which pinpointed Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. The interwoven Latin phrase, "In Excelsis Deo" (Glory to God in the Highest), further elevates the song, reinforcing the heavenly origin of this glorious news and the worship due to the newborn King, a sentiment that resonates with the angels’ initial song of praise in Luke 2:14. This interpretation underscores the spiritual magnitude of the Nativity, presenting it not just as a historical event, but as the pivotal moment of God's redemptive plan for all of mankind.