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BIBLE REFERENCE:
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he
come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call
his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which
being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should
be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every
one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the
city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with
Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in
the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of
the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And
the angel said unto them, 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. And this [shall be] a sign
unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with
the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:1-14
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he
come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call
his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which
being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should
be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every
one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the
city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with
Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in
the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of
the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And
the angel said unto them, 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. And this [shall be] a sign
unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with
the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:1-14
Charles Wesley - Lyrics
1707-1788
1707-1788
Born: December 28, 1707, Epworth, Lincolnshire, Engand.
Died: March 29, 1788, London, England.
Buried: Marylebone Parish Church, London.
Died: March 29, 1788, London, England.
Buried: Marylebone Parish Church, London.
Felix Mendelssohn - Composer
1809-1847
1809-1847
Born: February 3, 1809, Hamburg, Germany.
Died: November, 4, 1847, Leipzig, Germany.
Died: November, 4, 1847, Leipzig, Germany.
William Hayman Cummings - Arranged By
1831-1915
1831-1915
Born: August 22, 1831, Sidbury, Devonshire, England.
Died: June 10, 1915, London, England.
Buried: Norwood, South London
Died: June 10, 1915, London, England.
Buried: Norwood, South London
HYMN HISTORY:
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” is another of the more than 6,500 hymns from the pen of Charles Wesley that
have enriched Christian hymnody. It is thought to have been written one year after his dramatic, Aldersgate
conversion experience of 1738. This text, along with “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” is generally considered to be
one of Wesley’s finest. According to John Julian, noted hymnologist, this is one of the four most popular
hymns in the English language. It certainly has become one of the classic, Christmas carol hymns to the
present time, sung thousands of times every year all around the world.
Like so many of Wesley’s hymns, this text condensed course in biblical doctrine in poetic form. Following the
re-telling of the angelic visit to the shepherds in the initial stanza, the succeeding verses teach such spiritual
truths as the virgin birth, Christ’s deity, the immortality of the soul, the second or new birth, and a concern for
Christ-like living. As the late Eric Routley, noted English hymnist, observes in his book, Hymns and Human-
Life: “These [Wesley] hymns were composed in order that men and women might sing their way, not only into
experience, but also into knowledge; that the cultured might have their culture baptized and the ignorant might
be led into truth by the gentle hand of melody and rhyme.”
Charles Wesley is also the author of the hymn “A charge to keep I Have” and “Depth of Mercy.” Other Charles
Wesley hymns include “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.”
The tune, “Mendelssohn” was contributed by one of the master composers of th early nineteenth century, Felix
Mendelssohn. He was born into a Jewish-Christian home on February 3, 1809, in Hamburg, Germany, and
died at Leipzig, Germany, on November 4, 1847. Mendelssohn was a highly acclaimed boy prodigy, making
his first public appearance as a pianist, at the age of nine. Felix Mendelssohn was not only a noted performer
and conductor, but also a prolific composer throughout his brief life-time. His works included symphonies ,
chamber music, concertos, as widely performed today is the oratorio. The Elijah, first performed in England on
August 26, 1846. The “Mendelssohn” hymn tune was adapted from the composer’s Festgesang, Opus 68,
composed in 1840. This was a work that Mendelssohn wrote to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the
invention of printing. The hymn setting of this music was made by William H. Cummings, a noted English
musician and scholar, and was first published in Richard Chope’s Congregational Hymn and Tune Book of
1857. Although other tunes have been tried with Wesley’s text, the “Mendelssohn” has become the
recognized music or this carol hymn.
Felix Mendelssohn is also the composer of the “Consolation” tune used for “Still, Still With Thee” and the
“Munich” tune, used for the hymn “O Word of God Incarnate.”
It is interesting to note briefly the the history of our Christmas carol hymns. The word “carol” is derived from
the word “carola,” which means a ring dance. Carols, then have long been thought of as an early form of
sacred folk music, dating in time from the early middle ages. During this period they seem to have been an
integral part of the early mystery and miracle plays which were widely used by the medieval church for
teaching its religious dogmas. The carols were sung during these plays as an intermezzo between the
various scenes, much like the role of a modern-day orchestra between the scenes of a drama production.
Then, in 1627, the English Puritan parliament abolished the celebration of christmas and all other “worldly
festivals.” During the remainder of the seventeenth century and well into the eighteenth century, there was a
scarcity of these folk-like carol hymns in England. Charles Wesley’s “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” represents
one of the relatively few, important carol hymns to have been written during this time.
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” is another of the more than 6,500 hymns from the pen of Charles Wesley that
have enriched Christian hymnody. It is thought to have been written one year after his dramatic, Aldersgate
conversion experience of 1738. This text, along with “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” is generally considered to be
one of Wesley’s finest. According to John Julian, noted hymnologist, this is one of the four most popular
hymns in the English language. It certainly has become one of the classic, Christmas carol hymns to the
present time, sung thousands of times every year all around the world.
Like so many of Wesley’s hymns, this text condensed course in biblical doctrine in poetic form. Following the
re-telling of the angelic visit to the shepherds in the initial stanza, the succeeding verses teach such spiritual
truths as the virgin birth, Christ’s deity, the immortality of the soul, the second or new birth, and a concern for
Christ-like living. As the late Eric Routley, noted English hymnist, observes in his book, Hymns and Human-
Life: “These [Wesley] hymns were composed in order that men and women might sing their way, not only into
experience, but also into knowledge; that the cultured might have their culture baptized and the ignorant might
be led into truth by the gentle hand of melody and rhyme.”
Charles Wesley is also the author of the hymn “A charge to keep I Have” and “Depth of Mercy.” Other Charles
Wesley hymns include “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.”
The tune, “Mendelssohn” was contributed by one of the master composers of th early nineteenth century, Felix
Mendelssohn. He was born into a Jewish-Christian home on February 3, 1809, in Hamburg, Germany, and
died at Leipzig, Germany, on November 4, 1847. Mendelssohn was a highly acclaimed boy prodigy, making
his first public appearance as a pianist, at the age of nine. Felix Mendelssohn was not only a noted performer
and conductor, but also a prolific composer throughout his brief life-time. His works included symphonies ,
chamber music, concertos, as widely performed today is the oratorio. The Elijah, first performed in England on
August 26, 1846. The “Mendelssohn” hymn tune was adapted from the composer’s Festgesang, Opus 68,
composed in 1840. This was a work that Mendelssohn wrote to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the
invention of printing. The hymn setting of this music was made by William H. Cummings, a noted English
musician and scholar, and was first published in Richard Chope’s Congregational Hymn and Tune Book of
1857. Although other tunes have been tried with Wesley’s text, the “Mendelssohn” has become the
recognized music or this carol hymn.
Felix Mendelssohn is also the composer of the “Consolation” tune used for “Still, Still With Thee” and the
“Munich” tune, used for the hymn “O Word of God Incarnate.”
It is interesting to note briefly the the history of our Christmas carol hymns. The word “carol” is derived from
the word “carola,” which means a ring dance. Carols, then have long been thought of as an early form of
sacred folk music, dating in time from the early middle ages. During this period they seem to have been an
integral part of the early mystery and miracle plays which were widely used by the medieval church for
teaching its religious dogmas. The carols were sung during these plays as an intermezzo between the
various scenes, much like the role of a modern-day orchestra between the scenes of a drama production.
Then, in 1627, the English Puritan parliament abolished the celebration of christmas and all other “worldly
festivals.” During the remainder of the seventeenth century and well into the eighteenth century, there was a
scarcity of these folk-like carol hymns in England. Charles Wesley’s “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” represents
one of the relatively few, important carol hymns to have been written during this time.
“The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable.” - Ralph W.Sockman
| 101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed,
Bruise in us the serpent’s head.
Now display Thy saving power,
Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join
Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface,
Stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in Thy love.
Let us Thee, though lost, regain,
Thee, the Life, the inner man:
O, to all Thyself impart,
Formed in each believing heart.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed,
Bruise in us the serpent’s head.
Now display Thy saving power,
Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join
Thine to ours, and ours to Thine.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface,
Stamp Thine image in its place:
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in Thy love.
Let us Thee, though lost, regain,
Thee, the Life, the inner man:
O, to all Thyself impart,
Formed in each believing heart.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Jesus left the splendor of heaven, to suffer the shame of the cross for my sins and yours. I am reminded of a
song whose chorus says, If that isn't love, then heaven is a myth. There's no feeling like this, if that isn't love.
John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." During this Christmas season we as Christians have the
wonderful opportunity to tell others of the Savior who was born in a stable and how by His sinless life and His
death on the cross made a way to have eternal life. Give the gift of life this year by sharing with someone
God's gift to man. We pray that this Christmas your thoughts will be drawn to a greater appreciation to the
sacrifice that Christ made at Calvary. Please visit our Christmas Hymns Page and enjoy the hymns.
Yours in Christ, Tom & Myra
Jesus left the splendor of heaven, to suffer the shame of the cross for my sins and yours. I am reminded of a
song whose chorus says, If that isn't love, then heaven is a myth. There's no feeling like this, if that isn't love.
John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." During this Christmas season we as Christians have the
wonderful opportunity to tell others of the Savior who was born in a stable and how by His sinless life and His
death on the cross made a way to have eternal life. Give the gift of life this year by sharing with someone
God's gift to man. We pray that this Christmas your thoughts will be drawn to a greater appreciation to the
sacrifice that Christ made at Calvary. Please visit our Christmas Hymns Page and enjoy the hymns.
Yours in Christ, Tom & Myra