The Christmas season is filled with carols that capture the spirit of the holiday, and among the most beloved is “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” However, behind its melodious harmony and familiar lyrics lies a rich history of transformations and adaptations that many people are unaware of. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this famous hymn, the changes it underwent, and how it became a central piece in Christmas celebrations.
The Hymn’s Origin: Charles Wesley and His Original Version
Charles Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism and a prolific hymn writer, composed the original version of this song in 1739. Published in “Hymns and Sacred Poems,” its original title was “Hymn for Christmas Day,” and it featured ten stanzas of four lines each. Wesley, always focused on delivering a theologically rich message, began the hymn with the line “Hark! How All the Welkin Rings, Glory to the King of Kings.”
The word “welkin,” an old term meaning “the vault of heaven,” reflects Wesley’s inclination towards complex and elevated poetic language. However, this detail is just the beginning of the series of modifications that would transform the hymn into the version we know today.
(Incorporating your personal experience: “Wesley wrote: ‘Hark! How All the Welkin Rings, Glory to the King of Kings.’ ‘Welkin’ literally means ‘the vault of heaven.'”)
George Whitefield and the First Major Modification
The hymn we know today owes much of its modern form to George Whitefield, a contemporary of Wesley and a renowned evangelist preacher. In 1753, Whitefield made a significant change, altering the opening line to the now-famous “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the newborn King.”
Whitefield made this change without consulting Wesley, which led to some tension between the two, as Wesley never approved of the revision. In fact, Wesley, true to his original style, never sang this version of the hymn. However, Whitefield’s version quickly gained popularity, overshadowing the original and helping the hymn become more accessible to the public at the time.
The Fusion with Felix Mendelssohn’s Music
Despite the tensions surrounding the text, it wasn’t until more than a century later that the hymn took on the musical form we recognize today. In 1855, organist William H. Cummings introduced a new and powerful melody, drawn from a composition by Felix Mendelssohn, the famous German composer. Mendelssohn had written the music in 1840 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press, but he never intended it for a religious context.
Nonetheless, Cummings, in search of a suitable melody for Whitefield’s revised hymn, decided to pair the lyrics with Mendelssohn’s music, creating the version that is now sung in churches and Christmas celebrations around the world. This union was an undeniable success, combining Wesley’s (albeit modified) inspiring words with majestic music that elevates the joyful spirit of the hymn.
The Spiritual Impact and Significance of the Hymn
Beyond its historical evolution, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” has become a staple of Christmas music, not just for its melodic beauty but also for its profound theological message. The hymn encapsulates the joy of the angelic proclamation of Christ’s birth, a theme that resonates both in churches and family gatherings alike.
The words “Glory to the newborn King” and “Peace on earth and mercy mild” capture the essence of Christmas—a time of celebration for the arrival of peace and redemption to humanity. Rooted deeply in Christian tradition, the hymn remains a reminder of the spiritual significance of Christmas, and its ability to touch the hearts of listeners has endured through the centuries.
Conclusion: The Evolution of an Immortal Hymn
From its humble beginnings penned by Charles Wesley, through George Whitefield’s revisions, and finally, to the musical adaptation by William Cummings, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” has traveled a long road. Today, it remains one of the most beloved and sung Christmas carols worldwide, not only for its uplifting melody but also for its message of hope, peace, and the glorification of Christ’s birth.
Thanks to the contributions of key figures in its development, the hymn has left an indelible mark on Christmas culture, and each time it is sung, it revives the story of its creation, carrying its powerful message to new generations.
Glory to the new-born King,
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinner reconcil’d.
Glory to the new-born King.
Join the triumph of the skies,
With the angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of a Virgin’s womb.
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings.
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
