Tonight I was privileged to see some of my extended family.  Growing up, we saw each other frequently.  Now our times together are few and far between.  During childhood, a few cousin fights might have taken place over toys.  Getting to be together is what matters now.

Since I was a child, I have loved to sing.  Especially Christmas carols.  One of my very favorites was “Angels We Have Heard On High.”  I would always try to sing the “Gloria” part without taking breaths.  Funny how certain memories like that never leave.

The first known performance of “Angels We Have Heard on High” happened in 19th century France.  As the verses were written in French, perhaps the song was written there.  Many song experts thing that this song has been around for quite awhile.  Possibly this song was penned by a Middle Ages monk.  The Latin chorus hints at the author being a religious scholar.  Whoever the author, this carol has been a blessing for a few centuries.

Tonight I want to feature an updated version of this classic Christmas song.  This song is honor of my younger days.

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

See Him in a manger laid
Jesus Lord of heaven and earth;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
With us sing our Savior’s birth.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

(P.S. My Gustafson family, I certainly do love you.)