Charles Wesley (1707–1788) was an English poet, preacher, and one of the founding leaders of the Methodist movement alongside his brother, John Wesley.
He is best known for writing over 6,000 hymns, many of which are still sung today across Christian traditions. His hymns are known for their theological depth, poetic beauty, and joyful tone.
Moreover, Wesley’s writings played a major role in shaping Christian worship in the 18th century and beyond.
About the Hymn
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is one of the most well-known and beloved Christmas hymns that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with joyful imagery of angels announcing peace and salvation to the world.
While Wesley’s original version had different phrasing, it was later adapted by George Whitefield and set to a new melody by Felix Mendelssohn in the 19th century.
Read Full Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Lyrics
Verse 1
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!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Verse 2
Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time, behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Verse 3
Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n 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 newborn King!”
Verse 4
Come, Desire of nations, come,
Of beauty, Thou art the sum;
Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface,
Stamp Thine image in its place:
Now display Thy saving power,
Work in me, restore this hour;
O, to me Thyself impart,
Visit this believing heart.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Similar Hymns Like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
If you love the joyful and meaningful message of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, you’ll likely enjoy these other hymns by Wesley.
- And Can It Be That I Should Gain: This powerful hymn begins with a question full of wonder. It shows grace and redemption with strong, emotional words that inspire hope.
-
Jesus, Lover of My Soul: A soft, emotional hymn about finding refuge in Jesus during life’s storms. It offers comfort and strength in hard times.
- Christ the Lord Is Risen Today: Full of joy and celebration, this Easter hymn praises the resurrection. Its cheerful tone and Alleluia chorus make it truly uplifting.
Similar Artists Like Charles Wesley
These writers and composers share a deep spiritual focus, a love for sacred music, and timeless lyrics that have been cherished for centuries. Their works have shaped Christian worship worldwide.
- Isaac Watts
Genre: Christian Hymns / Sacred Music
Top albums: The Psalms of David (1707), Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1707), Divine Songs for Children (1715) - Fanny J. Crosby
Genre: Gospel / Christian Hymns
Top albums: Blessed Assurance and Other Gospel Hymns (1873), Safe in the Arms of Jesus (1868), Songs of Faith (various collections, 1870s–1880s) - William Cowper
Genre: Christian Hymns / Poetry
Top albums: Olney Hymns (with John Newton, 1779), Hymns and Sacred Poems (1780), Selections from the Olney Hymns (compiled versions, 1800s) - John Newton
Genre: Christian Hymns / Religious Folk
Top albums: Amazing Grace and Other Hymns (1779), Olney Hymns (with William Cowper, 1779), The Christian Life in Song (compiled posthumously) - Horatius Bonar
Genre: Hymnody / Christian Worship
Top albums: Hymns of Faith and Hope (1857), The Bible Hymn Book (1866), The Song of the New Creation (1872)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Main Message of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing?
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, focusing on peace, reconciliation, and the joy of salvation for all people.
Why did The Original Opening Line Differ from Today’s Version?
Charles Wesley’s original began Hark how all the Welkin rings, but George Whitefield changed it to the more familiar Hark! The Herald Angels Sing for clarity.
What Bible Passage Inspired The Lyrics of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing?
The lyrics are based on Luke 2:8–14, where angels announce Jesus’s birth to shepherds.
