The words of this carol were written by Charles Wesley in 17139 and the tune was adapted by W.H. Cummings from Mendlessohn, who thought the melody unsuitable for sacred words and would have preferred them set to "..... something gay and popular ...... soldier-like and buxom".

1. Hark! The herald-angels sing
Glory to the new-born King
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful, all ye nations, rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark the herald-angels sing
Glory to the new born King

2. Christ, by highest heaven adored
Christ the everlasting Lord
Late in time behold him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see!
Hail, the incarnate Deity!
Please as man with man to dwell
Jesus our Emmanuel
Hark the herald-angels sing
Glory to the new born King

3. 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 new born King