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
Har, the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Hark! the herald angels sing
Origins of the Quote
A traditional carol, which has the right mix of reverence, serenity, and warmth to celebrate the Nativity. It’s warming of the heart every time it is heard.
With lyrics written by Charles Wesley, and set to a tune by Mendelssohn, this carol was always going to be one of the most recognizable and popular.
The Person Behind the Words
Charles Wesley was born in Epworth, Lincolnshire in 1707. His father was an Anglican cleric and poet – Samuel Wesley, his wife was Susanna. He was a younger brother of Methodist founder John Wesley and Anglican cleric Samuel Wesley the Younger, and he became the father of musician Samuel Wesley and grandfather of musician Samuel Sebastian Wesley.
Charles studied at Oxford University, where his brothers had also studied, and he formed the “Holy Club” among his fellow students in 1729. John Wesley later joined this group, as did George Whitefield. He followed his father and brother into the church in 1735, and he traveled with John to Georgia in America. He returned a year later.
Following their evangelical conversions in 1738, the brothers journeyed throughout Britain, converting followers to the Methodist revival through preaching and hymn-singing. In 1749, he married Sarah Gwynne, daughter of a Welsh gentleman who had been converted to Methodism by Howell Harris. From 1756 he ministered in Bristol, and later London, where he remained.
Some Final Thoughts
Hark the Herald Angels Sing embodies the spirit of Christmas. The solemn reverence that it brings and a yearning to be near the Divine and celebrate the Divine. The soulful melody is one that is established permanently once one hears it sung. A hymn that brings peace and comfort to the mind and the soul.
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