HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING

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 1739

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” – A Brief History


“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is one of the most beloved Christian Christmas hymns, celebrated for its rich theology and joyful proclamation of Christ’s birth. Its history spans nearly two centuries and involves several important figures.


Origins of the Lyrics (1739)


The hymn’s words were written by Charles Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement, in 1739. Wesley originally titled the hymn “Hymn for Christmas-Day.”

The opening line was not what we sing today, but:


“Hark! how all the welkin rings,

Glory to the King of Kings.”


(“Welkin” is an old English word meaning “heavens.”)


Wesley’s original version focused strongly on the theological meaning of the Incarnation—Jesus as God and man, bringing reconciliation between God and humanity.


Revisions and Popularization


Wesley’s friend George Whitefield, a prominent evangelical preacher, made several changes when publishing the hymn later in the 18th century. He altered the opening line to the now-famous:


“Hark! the herald angels sing,

Glory to the newborn King.”


Whitefield’s revisions made the hymn more accessible and poetic for congregational singing. Over time, additional small adjustments were made to the wording, but Wesley’s core theology remained intact.


The Music (1840)


For many years, the hymn was sung to various tunes. The melody we now associate with it came much later.


The tune is adapted from a cantata by Felix Mendelssohn, composed in 1840 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg’s printing press.


Mendelssohn himself did not intend the music for sacred use, but in 1855, English musician William H. Cummings skillfully adapted it to fit Wesley’s text.


This pairing proved remarkably successful and gave the hymn its triumphant, festive character.


Theological Significance


The hymn is notable for its dense biblical and doctrinal content, including:


The Incarnation (“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see”)


The Virgin Birth


Reconciliation between God and humanity


Christ as the “Second Adam”, restoring what was lost through sin


Legacy


Today, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a staple of Christmas worship across denominations worldwide. It stands as a powerful example of how poetry, theology, and music can come together to proclaim the Christian message of Christmas with joy and depth.

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