Glory to God in the Highest
By Drew Wright
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley & George Whitefield, 1739
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 the angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin's womb:
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!”
A Brief History of the Song
"Hark! the Herald Angels Sing!" These lyrics are familiar to us during this time of year and constantly remind us of Jesus' miraculous birth. Charles Wesley, the author of this hymn, wrote over 6,000 songs during his ministry. His mission was to transform profound theological truths into musical pieces for the poor and uneducated, reflecting his heart of servitude. For his contributions to the collection of beliefs, many consider Wesley a central founder of Methodism. This particular song was inspired by the sound of church bells that Wesley heard on Christmas morning while he walked to church. He wrote the song—originally as a Poem— within a year of coming to Christ. It was later adapted by one of Wesley's students, a man named George Whitefield who added the recognizable line, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”.
The original poem was not as memorable in its natural flow but inspired Whitefield to capture the essence of its truths. Notably the original Poem addresses Jesus and his war on Satan. We hear this in Wesley’s words,
“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. Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface, Stamp Thine image in its place: Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in Thy love.”
The Deeper Meaning
Have you ever sung along to a song without knowing the true meaning behind the lyrics? There are two words in the most famous phrase of this song that are commonly sung without fully understanding their significance. The word “hark” comes from the Germanic word “hearken” which is translated as “listen”. Historically, the word “hearken” has also meant to listen with the motivation of obedience. Wesley brilliantly uses “hark” rather than “listen” to capture both the ears and hearts of those who utter the phrase. When we choose to hark, we are not merely hearing words, we are obeying the call that the words beckon. As Christians we do this by putting our faith in the good news and in turn we inevitably obey its truths because our heart is prepared to act. The word's power lies in its ability to evoke memories of the past, making it an enduring expression across time.
The term "Herald" carries three distinct meanings when used in the context of the song. The most crucial definition is that of a messenger, which is representative of the angels (Luke 2:14) who praise the Lord, saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." The Herald's role is not simply confined to that of being a messenger; they are also a representative of kings. In the phrase of Luke 2:14, the angels represent their king, Yahweh, and bring news of a coming sign and their words are a seal of divinity on the life and ministry of Christ Jesus of Nazareth.
Practical Wisdom and a Holy Message
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the significance of this event—that God entered into the world in human form, so that we may have eternal life through Him. This Hymn invites us to remember the real event that took place in Bethlehem, to proclaim the good news to the world, and to rejoice in its message. As we sing songs this Christmas, close your eyes and think of the words. In them you will find keys to truth and transcendent memories that we get to share as the Body of Christ. Let us rejoice in this message and share it with others, so that they too may experience the joy and salvation that comes from knowing Christ. Let the words of these hymns fill us with the truth and beauty of the gospel.
REFLECTION:
Take some time to read through the lyrics of this hymn. Write down 3 things that stand out to you about the language used, the message, or any questions you have. Now read Luke 2:1-20. What similarities do you notice? Write them down.
How frequently do you stop to give God glory? Be honest with yourself and write down an honest evaluation.
Do you listen to God with a heart of rejection and passivity, or with obedience? Write down some examples.
Is the good news of the Gospel at the core of your motivations or is it simply an addition to the many other things that you take interest in? Elaborate and write down some thoughts. Now share your findings with a trusted friend or mentor!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Come Let Us Adore Him Advent Devotional by Paul David Tripp