Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

The Story Behind Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is one of the most theologically rich and joy-filled Christmas hymns ever written. Yet its beginnings were far different from the familiar carol we know today. From its early title to its evolving melody, the song has undergone several transformations before becoming a beloved Christmas classic.

Who Wrote “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”?

The popular hymn was originally written in 1739 by Charles Wesley, who titled it “Hark, how all the welkin ring.” The word welkin, an old English term meaning “the heavens” or “the sky,” made perfect sense in Wesley’s poetic style but eventually fell out of use.

In 1753, evangelist George Whitefield revised the opening line to the now-famous: “Hark! The herald angels sing.”

This version resonated more widely, and it has remained the standard text for nearly three centuries.

How the Music Came To Be

For over 100 years, Wesley’s lyrics were sung to various melodies. Everything changed in 1856, when musician William Cummings paired the hymn with a tune composed by Felix Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn had written the music in 1840 to celebrate the introduction of Gutenberg’s printing press, and he believed the piece was unsuitable for sacred lyrics.

Despite Mendelssohn’s doubts, the pairing became a perfect match, and the melody remains inseparable from the hymn today.

Bible Inspirations for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:13-14

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:11

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form

Colossians 2:9

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”

Matthew 1:23

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Philippians 2:6-7

 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

John 3:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

1 Peter 1:3

Famous Performances and Further Reading

• A Cappella Men's Choir Sings 'Hark The Herald Angels Sing'

• Home Free’s Stunning A Cappella 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' Cover

• How Should We Celebrate the Birth of Christ?

• Why Do the Angels Say “Good Tidings of Great Joy”?

• What Is the Meaning of Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to His People on Earth?

Collection of Popular Christmas Hymns and Carols:

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
The First Noel
Joy To The World
O Holy Night
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Silent Night
O Come All Ye Faithful
Go Tell It On The Mountain
What Child Is This
O Little Town of Bethlehem
We, Three Kings of Orient, Are