I sang in a concert once with Donnie McClurkin.  Yolanda Adams was there too. (Their later duet is one of my favorite songs!) No, this event was not a dream.  Our church choir director happened to be friends with notable conductor David Clyesdale.  When he came to guest direct his latest Christmas musical, he brought along a few well-known friends.  I was in junior high then, and the event definitely made an impression on me.  I am not sure that we sang “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”  But Donnie definitely sings it well now.   His Christmas album is highly recommended, so I though I would share one of his traditional carols with you.

But before listening to Donnie sing, you definitely need to know more about the hymn.  When I was reading part of the book, Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins, I was quite surprised by the history of the song, “Hark the Herald Angel Sings.”  While the songwriter (Charles Wesley) is known, part of the lyrics are not his.  George Whitefield, the famous revivalist preacher, some of the words.  “Hark how all the welkin rings” was the original phrase.  Unfamiliar with the term, “welkin?”  This link will help.  But if you have a chance, read the chapter in Ace Collins’ book.  His explanation is even better!

Hark the Herald Angels Sing (by Charles Wesley & “friend”)

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 the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n 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
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n 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!”

Donnie’s version of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” can be found on the album, “And There Was Christmas.” By purchasing the album, you are helping to support my writing life at no extra cost to you. Thank you!