“Angels We Have Heard on High” (Traditional French carol): A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

“Angels We Have Heard on High” first appeared in the 1855 collection “Hymns Ancient and Modern” is known for its joyful, triumphant melody and its emphasis on the heavenly announcement of Christ’s birth. The hymn’s main idea is to celebrate the joy and wonder of the Savior’s arrival, as proclaimed by angelic beings. The qualities of the hymn include its catchy tune, its uplifting message, and its ability to evoke feelings of peace, hope, and reverence.

Text: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

1 Angels we have heard on high,
sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountains in reply
echoing their joyous strains:

Refrain:
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

2 Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
which inspire your heav’nly song? [Refrain]

3 Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the new-born King. [Refrain]

4 See Him in a manger laid,
Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth!
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
sing with us our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]

Annotations: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Line	Annotation
1. Angels we have heard on high,	Refers to the angels singing from the heavens, symbolizing the divine announcement of Jesus’ birth.
2. sweetly singing o’er the plains,	The angels are described as singing beautifully, with the sound carrying over the plains, indicating widespread celebration.
3. and the mountains in reply	Suggests that nature itself (the mountains) is echoing or responding to the angels’ joyful song, symbolizing the universe’s participation.
4. echoing their joyous strains:	Reinforces the idea that the angels’ songs of joy are reverberating through the mountains, signifying the spread of the good news.
Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo!	Latin for “Glory to God in the highest,” a phrase from Christian liturgy that exalts God, emphasizing the angels’ praise for the divine.
5. Shepherds, why this jubilee?	Directs a question to the shepherds about the cause of their celebration, highlighting the joy associated with the birth of Christ.
6. Why your joyous strains prolong?	Asks the shepherds why their celebration is continuing, emphasizing the magnitude of the event they are witnessing.
7. What the gladsome tidings be	Inquires about the joyful news (the birth of Jesus) that is causing such exuberance.
8. which inspire your heav’nly song?	Questions the shepherds about the reason behind their heavenly-inspired singing, which is a reaction to the angels’ message.
Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo!	Repeated refrain, emphasizing continuous praise and glory given to God.
9. Come to Bethlehem and see	Invitation to witness the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, where the nativity took place.
10. Him whose birth the angels sing;	Refers to Jesus, the subject of the angels’ song, reinforcing the divine nature of the event.
11. come, adore on bended knee	Invitation to worship Christ, emphasizing humility and reverence before the new-born King.
12. Christ the Lord, the new-born King.	Identifies Jesus as the Messiah (Christ) and the King of Heaven and Earth, central to the Christian faith.
Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo!	Repeated refrain, continuing the glorification of God.
13. See Him in a manger laid,	Describes Jesus’ humble birth in a manger, symbolizing his entry into the world in poverty and simplicity.
14. Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth!	Proclaims Jesus as the Lord of all creation, both in heaven and on earth, reinforcing his divinity.
15. Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,	Calls upon Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly parents, to join in the celebration of his birth.
16. sing with us our Savior’s birth.	Invitation to sing in celebration of Jesus’ birth, acknowledging him as the Savior of humanity.
Refrain: Gloria, in excelsis Deo!	Final repetition of the refrain, reiterating the glory and praise given to God in the highest.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Device	Definition	Example from Poem	Explanation
Alliteration	The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.	“shepherds, why this jubilee?”	The repetition of the “s” sound creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis.
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.	“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains:”	The repetition of “Angels” emphasizes the heavenly message.
Antistrophe	The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.	“Gloria, in excelsis Deo!”	The repetition of the refrain creates a sense of unity and closure.
Assonance	The repetition of the same vowel sound within words.	“What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav’nly song?”	The repetition of the “a” sound creates a melodious quality.
Hyperbole	Exaggerated statements used for emphasis.	“Christ the Lord, the new-born King.”	The phrase “new-born King” emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ birth.
Imagery	The use of vivid language to create mental images.	“See Him in a manger laid”	The image of Jesus in a manger evokes a sense of humility and simplicity.
Metaphor	A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	“Christ the Lord, the new-born King.”	Jesus is compared to a king, emphasizing his authority and power.
Onomatopoeia	The use of words that imitate the sounds they represent.	“sweetly singing”	The word “singing” imitates the sound of singing.
Parallelism	The use of similar grammatical structures.	“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains:”	The parallel structure of the clauses creates a sense of balance and rhythm.
Refrain	A repeated phrase or verse in a poem or song.	“Gloria, in excelsis Deo!”	The refrain serves as a unifying element and emphasizes the central theme of the carol.
Rhyme	The repetition of similar sounds at the end of words.	“plains” and “strains,” “be” and “see”	Rhyme creates a musical quality and helps to memorize the poem.
Rhythm	The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem.	The carol has a rhythmic pattern that is easy to follow.	The rhythm contributes to the song-like quality of the poem.
Simile	A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.”	Not present in the poem.	Similes can be used to create vivid images and comparisons.
Symbolism	The use of objects, characters, or events to represent something else.	“Jesus in a manger”	The manger symbolizes the humble birth of Jesus.
Synesthesia	The use of one sense to describe another.	Not present in the poem.	Synesthesia can create unique and evocative images.
Tone	The attitude of the speaker or writer towards the subject matter.	Joyful and celebratory	The tone reflects the joyous occasion of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
Verse	A group of lines in a poem.	Each stanza in the carol is a verse.	The verses divide the poem into sections and help to organize the content.
Voice	The distinctive style or personality of the speaker or writer.	Heavenly and angelic	The voice reflects the angelic message and the joyful tone of the carol.
Word Choice	The selection of specific words to convey meaning and create effects.	“gladsome tidings”	The word “gladsome” conveys a sense of joy and happiness.
Allusion	A reference to a famous person, place, thing, or event.	Not present in the poem.	Allusions can add depth and meaning to a text by connecting it to other works or cultural references.

Themes: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

1. Celebration of the Birth of Christ: The poem centers on the jubilant celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, conveyed through the voices of angels and the echoing response from the mountains. The repeated refrain “Gloria, in excelsis Deo!” (Latin for “Glory to God in the highest”) serves as an exclamation of praise and glory to God for the gift of His Son. This theme underscores the overwhelming joy and exaltation felt by all creation, both heavenly and earthly, at the arrival of Christ, marking the fulfillment of divine prophecy. The joyous strains that resonate throughout the poem create an atmosphere of reverence, worship, and celebration of this pivotal moment in Christian belief.
2. Divine Revelation to the Humble Shepherds: A significant theme in the poem is the revelation of Christ’s birth to the shepherds, who were humble and ordinary figures. The lines “Shepherds, why this jubilee? / Why your joyous strains prolong?” highlight the unexpected nature of this divine announcement to simple shepherds, emphasizing the Christian concept that God reveals His grace to the humble and lowly. The angels’ appearance to the shepherds symbolizes God’s desire for all, including the marginalized and overlooked, to share in the joy of salvation. This theme reflects the universality of Christ’s message, transcending social classes and bringing divine tidings to all.
3. Adoration and Worship of Christ the King: Throughout the poem, there is a clear call to worship and adore the newborn King, Jesus Christ. The invitation to “come, adore on bended knee / Christ the Lord, the new-born King” reflects the central Christian practice of offering reverence and worship to Christ as both Lord and Savior. The image of the shepherds and the audience being beckoned to the manger to pay homage to Christ signifies the proper response to this divine gift: submission, worship, and adoration. This theme speaks to the heart of the Christmas tradition, which is the acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine kingship and the personal, spiritual act of honoring Him.
4. Unity of Heaven and Earth in Worship: A profound theme in the poem is the harmony between heaven and earth in celebrating Christ’s birth. The opening lines depict angels “sweetly singing o’er the plains” while the mountains “echo their joyous strains,” symbolizing the blending of celestial and terrestrial realms in unified worship. The poem presents a vision where angels and humans alike are engaged in glorifying God, reflecting the theological belief that the birth of Christ bridges the gap between the divine and the mortal. This unity in praise, seen through the recurring refrain and the depiction of both heavenly and earthly participants, underscores the universality of Christ’s message and the collective rejoicing in His arrival.

Literary Theories and “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Theory	Explanation	References from Poem
Formalism	Focuses on the form and structure of the text, analyzing elements like rhyme, rhythm, imagery, and symbolism.	The poem’s use of refrains, alliteration, and imagery (e.g., “See Him in a manger laid”) are key formal elements.
Reader-Response Criticism	Examines how readers interpret the text, considering their individual experiences and perspectives.	A reader might interpret the poem as a comforting and hopeful message, while another might focus on the historical context of the birth of Jesus.
Religious Studies	Analyzes the text within its religious context, exploring themes of faith, spirituality, and divine intervention.	The poem’s explicit religious themes (e.g., the birth of Jesus, the angels’ message) align with Christian beliefs.

Critical Questions about “Angels We Have Heard on High”

• How does the repetition of the refrain “Gloria, in excelsis Deo” enhance the poem’s message of divine glorification?
• The repetition of the refrain “Gloria, in excelsis Deo!” reinforces the central theme of divine glorification by emphasizing the unending praise offered to God. The consistent return to this phrase after each stanza underscores the overwhelming joy and reverence that the angels, and by extension all of creation, express in response to the birth of Christ. The refrain serves as a reminder that the event of Christ’s birth is not only historical but also a cosmic and eternal moment of glory. This repetition draws the reader into the act of worship, mirroring the ceaseless adoration found in heaven. By repeating “Gloria” multiple times, the poem highlights the grandeur and holiness of the event, elevating it to a divine spectacle worthy of unending praise.
• What role do the shepherds play in symbolizing the accessibility of divine revelation to all people?
• The shepherds in the poem symbolize the idea that divine revelation is accessible to all, regardless of social standing or background. The second stanza, with its direct address to the shepherds—”Why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?”—emphasizes their unexpected yet pivotal role in the story of Christ’s birth. As humble figures, the shepherds represent ordinary people who are granted the extraordinary privilege of witnessing the angelic announcement. This choice reflects the Christian teaching that God’s message of salvation is universal, meant for both the lowly and the powerful. The shepherds’ jubilation, despite their simplicity, highlights that divine joy and revelation are available to everyone, transcending societal barriers.
• How does the imagery of nature (plains, mountains) contribute to the poem’s theme of unity between heaven and earth?
• The imagery of nature in the poem, particularly in the first stanza—”sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply”—illustrates the theme of unity between heaven and earth. This interaction between the plains, mountains, and the angelic singing suggests that all of creation is participating in the celebration of Christ’s birth. Nature itself seems to respond to the divine event, symbolizing a cosmic harmony where both the natural world and the heavenly realm come together in worship. The use of natural elements in this way expands the scope of adoration, indicating that Christ’s birth is not just for humanity but for all of creation. This unity reflects the poem’s broader message of universal praise and connection between the divine and the earthly.
• In what ways does the poem emphasize the importance of worship as a communal and collective act?
• The poem emphasizes the communal nature of worship by repeatedly inviting participation from both heavenly beings and people. Lines like “come, adore on bended knee” and “sing with us our Savior’s birth” directly call upon the reader to join in the collective adoration of Christ. The inclusion of figures such as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the angels underscores that worship is not a solitary act but a shared experience that unites individuals across time and space in celebration of Christ’s birth. This collective focus reflects the Christian belief that the birth of Christ is a moment for all to gather in praise, making worship a universal and communal response to the divine. The poem’s invitations create a sense of shared purpose, urging everyone to participate in the communal glorification of God.

Literary Works Similar to “Angels We Have Heard on High”

1. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley
   Both poems celebrate the joyous proclamation of Christ’s birth through angelic voices.
2. “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” by Edmund Sears
   This poem similarly focuses on the angelic message of peace and joy to the world at Christ’s birth.
3. “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” by Nahum Tate
   Like “Angels We Have Heard on High,” this poem centers on the shepherds receiving the divine announcement of Christ’s birth.
4. “O Holy Night” by Placide Cappeau
   Both poems convey a sense of reverence and awe at the birth of Christ, with calls for worship and adoration.
5. “The First Noel” (Traditional)
   This poem shares the theme of angelic revelation to shepherds, emphasizing the joyous news of Christ’s birth.

Suggested Readings: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

1. Drury, John. Music at Midnight: The Life and Poetry of George Herbert. Chicago University Press, 2013.
2. Peterson, William J. The Complete Book of Hymns. Tyndale House Publishers, 2006.
3. Nutter, Charles S. The Hymns and Hymn Writers of the Church. Methodist Book Concern, 1911.
4. Hatch, Jane M. The American Christmas Songbook. Houghton Mifflin, 1991.

Representative Quotations of “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Angels we have heard on high”	Opening line, introduces the angelic presence celebrating Christ’s birth.	Religious Symbolism – Angels symbolize divine messengers.
“Sweetly singing o’er the plains”	Describes the angels joyfully singing across the plains, signifying their joy.	Natural Imagery – Connecting divine joy with nature.
“And the mountains in reply”	Depicts nature echoing the angels’ song, symbolizing unity of creation in worship.	Ecocriticism – The natural world responding to divinity.
“Gloria, in excelsis Deo!”	Refrain that emphasizes glory to God in the highest.	Liturgical Praise – Traditional Christian worship element.
“Shepherds, why this jubilee?”	Questioning the shepherds’ reaction to the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth.	Divine Revelation – Revelation to the humble.
“What the gladsome tidings be”	Reflects on the joyful news the angels are bringing to the shepherds.	Hermeneutics – Interpreting divine messages and meaning.
“Come to Bethlehem and see”	Invitation to witness Christ’s birth, a central moment in Christian worship.	Pilgrimage – Theological journey to the sacred site.
“Christ the Lord, the new-born King”	Proclamation of Christ’s divine kingship, central to Christian theology.	Christology – Exploration of the nature of Christ.
“Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth!”	Declares Jesus’ dominion over both the celestial and terrestrial realms.	Theology of Kingship – Divine rule over heaven and earth.
“Sing with us our Savior’s birth”	Call for collective worship, inviting the reader to join in the celebration of Christ’s birth.	Communal Worship – Emphasis on shared spiritual experience.