Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Chris Tomlin performs “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” the Christmas hymn written by Charles Wesley in the eighteenth century. It begins with the angels' announcement, glory to the newborn King, with peace on earth and mercy mild, because God and sinners are reconciled.

The opening verse calls the nations to rise and join the triumph of the skies, proclaiming with the angelic host that Christ is born in Bethlehem. The second verse explains who this child is: adored by highest heaven, the everlasting Lord, who came late in time as the offspring of a virgin's womb. The Godhead is veiled in flesh, and the hymn hails the incarnate deity who was pleased as man to dwell with man, Jesus our Emmanuel. The third verse names him the heaven-born Prince of Peace and the son of righteousness, bringing light and life to all, rising with healing in his wings. The last lines state the reason for his coming: he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth and give them second birth. Tomlin's arrangement keeps the melody familiar while adding a modern worship sound. The hymn serves as a full summary of Christmas doctrine in a few verses and suits both carol services and personal listening.

The angels praising God is Luke 2:13-14. A child given and Prince of Peace is Isaiah 9:6, and healing in his wings is Malachi 4:2.