We are back again with another Carol of the Day for Blogmas! While I am 100% that person who starts listening to Christmas music in September, I know that most people wait until December. And lo and behold- it is now December! “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is another one of my favourite carols because it is another one that tends to be on the peppier side. On with today’s Carol of the Day: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”.
What is a Christmas Carol?
As always, here is your reminder that a Christmas carol is specifically about the Nativity or anyone involved. There are many wonderful Christmas songs that are not carols because they are not related to the Nativity in any way.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” History
This carol is based on a poem from the mid-eighteenth century, “For Christmas Day”. Charles Wesley wrote it in 1738 after being inspired on a Christmas morning walk, and several authors and revisions later, we end up with the carol we know! The music has actually changed with “Hark!” several times. “The current popular tune is by Felix Mendelssohn from his 1840 Festgesang no. 7 in honour of Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press.” (The World Encyclopedia of Christmas, 101) I am a big fan of the printing press, but do not know that I would connect it to Christmas….
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
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 angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”
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 man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”
Are you a fan of “Hark!”?
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
