Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Hymn lyrics and .mp3 Download

Listen to:
  Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (.midi)
  Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (.mp3)
  Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Bells Version (.mp3)

---

1. 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 th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new born King!"

2. Christ, by highest heaven 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 new born King!"

3. Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son 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 new born King!"

Words by: Charles Wesley;
alt. by George Whitefield and others
Music by: Felix Mendelssohn;
arr. by William H. Cummings
Video so you can sing along to Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

Devotion for the hymn: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Charles Wesley

Scripture Reading:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” – Luke 2:14 (KJV)

---

Devotional:

“Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!’”

These familiar lines ring through the air each Christmas season, echoing the angelic proclamation of Christ’s birth to the shepherds in the fields. But beyond the melody and tradition lies a deeply theological message: reconciliation, glory, and peace.

The angels weren’t simply announcing a birth, they were declaring the arrival of God’s redemptive plan in flesh. The “newborn King” was not a ruler of earthly kingdoms, but the King of kings, come to establish a spiritual kingdom where mercy triumphs over judgment and reconciliation over separation.

“God and sinners reconciled”, this phrase captures the essence of the gospel. Humanity, estranged from God through sin, is now offered a path back to Him through Jesus Christ. It’s not a truce but a total restoration of relationship, made possible through the incarnation of God’s Son.

Charles Wesley's hymn moves from proclamation to invitation. Each verse invites us not just to sing, but to worship, reflect, and respond. Christ is not only the child in the manger; He is the “Sun of Righteousness,” the One who brings light, healing, and eternal life.

“Hark” means listen attentively, not just with ears, but with hearts. In a world filled with noise, this call remains timely: to hear the good news that still echoes through time.

---

Reflection Questions:

• What does “God and sinners reconciled” mean to you personally?
• How does the birth of Jesus bring peace to your heart and life today?
• Are there areas in your life where you need to “hark”, to stop and truly listen to what God is saying?

---

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You that through Him, I am reconciled to You. Help me not only to celebrate His birth with joy, but to live each day in the peace and purpose He brings. May I hear Your voice above the noise of the world and respond in faith and worship. In Jesus’ name, amen.