Story Behind the Song
The author of this beloved Christmas praise hymn, Charles Wesley, wrote over six thousand hymn texts. This is his best. It is no wonder, therefore, that it has become a common staple among Christians during the Christmas season. The lyrics powerfully state the reason why Christ came to earth as a child in a manger: so that we would not have to face eternal death; so that He could raise us up with Him; so He could regenerate us into children of God. It is no wonder, therefore, that the calls upon Christians to praise Him declaring, Glory to the newborn King!
For this rendition I wanted to come up with a celebrative arrangement that would bring the listener into ecstatic praise of Christ our Savior. Chronologically it follows O Come O Come Emmanuel in the Wigtune Christmas CD O Come Let Us Adore Him. However, originally this wasnt the case. The arrangement of O come O Come Emmanuel is very somber and I had originally had O Little Town of Bethlehem following it. However, in previewing the CD O Little Town of Bethlehem just didnt add the lift that I desired at that point. I liked where every other song sat in the Cd, so it wasnt possible to move things around to solve the problem.
It was when I looked up the history of Hark the Herald Angels Sing that I noticed it was written by Charles Wesley, noting that it was one of his best hymns. In addition, when my oldest boy in his early talking years, he would sing this song in the most amusing way. For these reasons it seemed that this song just belonged on the album.
With three kids we live a very busy life, so I hadnt intended to add a tenth song to the CD. However, in this case I am glad I did. This arrangement, with its percussive piano and melodic strings, certainly was an addition to the CD, and it very adequately took care of the problem that I was trying to resolve.
Vanessa was sick in bed the day I arranged the piece, which had allowed me the time to work on it. (Otherwise, we would have been Christmas shopping). When she finally returned from the dead I played it for her. Her first comment was that the rendition was very joyous. We sincerely pray that it will elevate you to dedicated praise as you think of the wonder of Christs birth.
Lyrics
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
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.
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgins womb.
Veiled in flesh the God-head 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.
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 newborn King.
Arrangement Copyright © 1999 Don Wigton
A free chord chart to this song is available at the Wigtune Home Page @ http://userzweb.lightspeed.net/wigton/wigtune.htm
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