The Acappella Company - Angels We Have Heard on High Lyrics
Lyrics
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
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Shepherds why this jubilee
Why your joyous songs prolong
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song
Repeat Chorus
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the new-born King
Repeat Chorus (x2)
Video
Acappella - Angels We Have Heard on High
Meaning & Inspiration
The Acappella Company gifted the world with their rendition of "Angels We Have Heard on High" on October 8, 2009, offering a powerful and pure vocal interpretation of this cherished Christmas carol. From its release, this recording has served as a poignant reminder of the celestial announcement that initiated the Christmas story, inviting all to reflect on the profound truth of the Incarnation. Stripping away instrumental accompaniment, the a cappella format places the undiluted weight of the message front and center, allowing the depth of its scriptural roots to resonate with clarity and purpose.
The song immediately immerses us in the opening scene of the Christmas narrative, painting a vivid auditory picture of "Angels we have heard on high / Sweetly singing o'er the plains." This imagery directly echoes the divine drama described in Luke 2:13-14, where a multitude of the heavenly host suddenly appears, praising God with the declaration, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." The lyrics emphasize not only the heavenly chorus but also how "the mountains in reply / Echoing their joyous strains," suggesting a universal response to this monumental event. It conveys that even creation itself, stirred by the presence of the divine, joins in the exultant praise. The iconic Latin chorus, "Gloria in excelsis Deo," serves as the song’s anchor, a direct, triumphant declaration of God's supreme glory, a timeless echo of the angels’ own proclamation that transcends language and culture.
The narrative then shifts, capturing the wonder and perhaps the slight bewilderment of the shepherds, who are prompted with the question, "Shepherds why this jubilee / Why your joyous songs prolong / What the gladsome tidings be / Which inspire your heavenly song?" This section masterfully portrays the human side of the encounter, reflecting the awe experienced by the first earthly witnesses to the angelic announcement. The "gladsome tidings" are, of course, the good news of Jesus' birth, as the angel told the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11: "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." This joy is infectious, spreading from the heavenly host to the humble shepherds, who, having heard the announcement, would naturally be inspired to prolong their celebration, unable to contain the overwhelming significance of what they had witnessed and been told.
Finally, the song culminates in an earnest invitation, beckoning everyone to join the ancient journey of faith: "Come to Bethlehem and see / Him whose birth the angels sing / Come, adore on bended knee / Christ, the Lord, the new-born King." This is a direct call to personal engagement, replicating the shepherds’ decision to "go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about" (Luke 2:15). The profound directive to "adore on bended knee" is an act of humility and worship, recognizing the divine sovereignty of the infant in the manger. He is not merely a child, but "Christ, the Lord, the new-born King"—a clear articulation of His dual nature as Messiah and sovereign, fulfilling prophetic scriptures like Isaiah 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2. This invitation extends beyond the historical moment, reaching across centuries to call believers today to acknowledge and worship Jesus as their King, just as the shepherds did, and just as every knee will one day bow (Philippians 2:10-11).
The Acappella Company's rendition of "Angels We Have Heard on High" serves as far more than just a musical performance; it is a profound journey into the heart of the Christmas story. By focusing intensely on the lyrical message, amplified by the purity of the human voice, the song encourages a deep reflection on the divine glory, the good news proclaimed, and the personal invitation to worship the newborn King. It powerfully conveys the timeless truth of Christ's arrival, inspiring a sense of wonder and adoration that continues to resonate with believers, strengthening faith and celebrating the enduring hope found in the Savior's birth.