Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is one of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time. Written by Charles Wesley, co-founder of the Methodist movement, the hymn originally began with the line “Hark how all the welkin rings” (welkin meaning “heaven” or “sky”). It was later revised to the now-familiar “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by George Whitefield, Wesley’s contemporary and fellow evangelist.

The majestic melody was adapted from a cantata by Felix Mendelssohn, who had composed the music to celebrate the invention of the printing press. William H. Cummings matched Wesley’s text with Mendelssohn’s music in the mid-19th century, creating the version widely sung today.

The hymn powerfully announces the birth of Christ, echoing the angelic proclamation in Luke 2:14. It celebrates the incarnation of Jesus—"God and sinners reconciled"—and expresses deep theological truths about peace, redemption, and the new birth.

French translation: "Ecoutez le chant des anges" by Violette Du Pasquier; German translation: "Hört die Engelchöre singen" by Johann Christoph Hampe Spanish translation: See "Oíd un son en alta esfera" by Federico Fliedner; Swahili translation: See "Mungu ni wa utukufu"