Lyrics and Information
Words by Charles Wesley (1707-1788)Tune: MENDELSSOHN, by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), 1840. Setting by William H. Cummings (1831-1915), 1857Key signature: G major (1 sharp)Time signature: 4/4Meter: 7.7.7.7.D. with RefrainPublic DomainOrgan Performance at Hymns Without Words1. 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!”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 man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel.3. Hail the heav’nborn 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.4. Come, Desire of nations, come, Fix in us Thy humble home; Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head. Adam’s likeness now efface, Stamp Thine image in its place: Second Adam from above, Reinstate use in Thy love.