Author: Charles Wesley, 1739. George Whitefield, 1758, 1782. David Willcocks, 1961.

Tune: Vaterland, in deimen Gauen

Scriptural reference: Luke 2:14

This hymn underwent several rewrites before it settled into the hymn we are familiar with today. Perhaps the angels themselves were involved in its evolution? The angels and their celebratory praise of God’s miraculous work is the focus of this hymn. God’s greatest cheering squad is calling our attention to the spiritual triumph that God has achieved in his son, Jesus, the Newborn King. As sinners, we now can be reconciled with God. If we can’t fully grasp the importance of this moment, the angels can, and they don’t want us to miss it.

This hymn is considered one of the top four Anglican hymns. Ranking number two, following “All Praise to Thee, my God, this Night.”

This is a beautiful majestic hymn and one that stirs up many memories of Christmas services. Most of my memories include church choirs, with their formal choir robes, singing this hymn in beautiful harmonies.

What memories does this hymn bring back to you?

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