The prolific hymn writer Charles Wesley first wrote these lyrics in 1739, a year after his conversion. It was first published in Sacred Hymns and Poems – Charles’ first joint hymnal with his brother John, and was under the title “Hymn for Christmas-Day”. The original first line written by Charles was “Hark how all the welkin rings” but was later changed (with some other adjustments throughout the hymn) to what we know it now by George Whitefield, a friend of John and Charles Wesley, when he published this song in his Hymns for Social Worship in 1753¹. For me, this is my favourite Christmas Carol, which is why I have left until last. I have you have enjoyed these Advent/Christmas songs through December, and have a blessed New Year 🙂

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 hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain:
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 th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.

Refrain

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.

Refrain