Maverick City Music - King of Kings - Angels We Have Heard on High Lyrics

King of Kings / Angels We Have Heard on High (feat. Naomi Raine & Kim Walker-Smith) | TRIBL

King of Kings - Angels We Have Heard on High Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

The song "King of Kings - Angels We Have Heard on High" by Maverick City Music, featuring Naomi Raine and Kim Walker-Smith, is a powerful tapestry woven from theological depth and fervent worship. Released during the Christmas season, it uniquely blends the timeless truth of Christian doctrine with the familiar melody and theme of a classic carol, extending the narrative beyond the manger to encompass the full scope of Christ's redemptive work. The lyrics begin by painting a picture of humanity's state before Christ: dwelling in darkness, devoid of hope and light, waiting. This sets the stage for the divine intervention, describing God running from heaven with mercy in His eyes. The song immediately connects this to the Incarnation, where the eternal Word comes to a virgin, descending from a throne of endless glory to a humble cradle, fulfilling the ancient law and prophets.

The core of the song's theological message is encapsulated in its recurring Trinitarian praise chorus, acknowledging God as Father, Son, and Spirit, the three in one, deserving of endless glory and majesty as the King of Kings. This chorus acts as a grounding point, reminding listeners of the God who orchestrated this grand narrative of salvation. The lyrics then move beyond the Nativity to explore the purpose and cost of Christ's mission. He came to reveal the coming kingdom, to reconcile the lost world to God, and to redeem all creation. Crucially, the song highlights that Jesus did not despise the cross; He embraced suffering, looking beyond it to the salvation it would secure for humanity, willingly dying for our sake.

The narrative progresses to the triumphant event of the Resurrection. The vivid description of heaven holding its breath, the stone being moved, and the Lamb conquering death captures the monumental significance of this victory. The resurrection of those in their tombs and the awe of the angels underscore the power unleashed in that moment. This event is presented as the restoration of all souls who come to the Father through Christ. The song then links the Resurrection to the birth of the Church and the descent of the Holy Spirit, who ignited the flame of the gospel. It declares the enduring strength of this truth, asserting it "shall not kneel shall not faint." This leads to a personal declaration of freedom found in Christ's blood and name, acknowledging that it is Jesus who has spiritually resurrected the believer.

Following the affirmation of praise to the Trinity, the song shifts into a more personal, spontaneous expression of worship. Lines like "Tell him tell him tonight, I'll praise you with my whole life" and "With my whole heart, with all I am and all I have" articulate a deep commitment to lifelong devotion and praise. This heartfelt outpouring emphasizes the intimate and all-consuming nature of the worshiper's response to Christ's work. The spontaneous "Oh there's none like You none like You Jesus" highlights the unique and supreme value of Jesus in the eyes of the believer.

The integration of "Angels We Have Heard on High" becomes most explicit in the latter sections. The "Glory glory" ad-libs and the repeated chanting of "Gloria in excelsis deo" directly reference the traditional carol's iconic refrain. "Gloria in excelsis deo" translates from Latin to "Glory to God in the highest," echoing the angelic chorus at the announcement of Christ's birth in Luke 2:14. This incorporation seamlessly blends the celebration of the Incarnation with the broader narrative of redemption, connecting the initial angelic praise at the manger to the ongoing praise of believers for the completed work of Christ. The final powerful repetition of "We were made to bring you glory" serves as a concluding statement, affirming the ultimate purpose of creation and humanity: to live in a way that brings honor and praise to God, reflecting the very reason for Christ's coming, suffering, death, and resurrection. The song masterfully connects the historical events of Christ's life, death, and resurrection to the personal experience of salvation and the call to worship, making it both a theological statement and a heartfelt anthem of praise.