“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley, an iconic hymn, first appeared in 1739 in the collection “Hymns and Sacred Poems.” This beloved Christmas carol is celebrated for its joyful melody and its powerful message of peace and reconciliation. The hymn’s lyrics, inspired by Luke 2:14, proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation for all humanity. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture the spirit of Christmas and inspire believers around the world.

Text: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

1 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 th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”

2 Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel. [Refrain]

3 Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth. [Refrain]

Annotations: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

Line Number	Text	Annotation
1	Hark! the herald angels sing,	A sudden, attention-grabbing call to listen.
2	“Glory to the newborn King:	The angels proclaim the glory of the newborn King.
3	peace on earth, and mercy mild,	The message of peace and mercy brought by the King.
4	God and sinners reconciled!”	The reconciliation of God and humanity through Christ.
5	Joyful, all ye nations, rise,	A call to all nations to join in rejoicing.
6	join the triumph of the skies;	A reference to the heavenly celebration.
7	with th’angelic hosts proclaim,	A call to join the angels in proclaiming the good news.
8	“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”	The central message of the hymn: the birth of Christ.
9	Refrain:	The repeated chorus.
10	Hark! the herald angels sing,	Repeats the opening line, emphasizing the message.
11	“Glory to the newborn King”	Repeats the core message of the hymn.
12	Christ, by highest heaven adored,	Emphasizes the divine nature of Christ.
13	Christ, the everlasting Lord,	Further emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ.
14	late in time behold him come,	Refers to the long-awaited coming of the Messiah.
15	offspring of the Virgin’s womb:	Highlights the miraculous birth of Christ.
16	veiled in flesh the Godhead see;	Emphasizes the incarnation of God in human form.
17	hail th’incarnate Deity,	A call to praise the God-man.
18	pleased with us in flesh to dwell,	Emphasizes God’s love and willingness to dwell among humanity.
19	Jesus, our Immanuel.	The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.”
20	Refrain:	Repeats the chorus.
21	Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!	Praises Christ as the Prince of Peace.
22	Hail the Sun of Righteousness!	Emphasizes Christ’s role as the source of righteousness.
23	Light and life to all he brings,	Highlights the transformative power of Christ.
24	risen with healing in his wings.	Emphasizes Christ’s ability to heal and restore.
25	Mild he lays his glory by,	Emphasizes Christ’s humility and sacrifice.
26	born that we no more may die,	Emphasizes the purpose of Christ’s birth: to save humanity from death.
27	born to raise us from the earth,	Emphasizes Christ’s power to resurrect the dead.
28	born to give us second birth.	Emphasizes the spiritual transformation that Christ brings.
29	Refrain:	Repeats the chorus.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.	“Hark! the herald angels sing”	The repetition of the “h” sound creates a sense of urgency and attention-grabbing quality.
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.	“Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord”	The repetition of “Christ” emphasizes the importance of the central figure.
Antithesis	The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or images.	“peace on earth, and mercy mild”	The contrast between peace and mercy emphasizes the positive impact of Christ’s birth.
Assonance	The repetition of vowel sounds within words.	“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!”	The repetition of the “a” sound creates a melodic quality.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.	“Joyful, all ye nations, rise”	The call for all nations to rise emphasizes the universal joy and celebration.
Imagery	The use of vivid language to create mental images.	“Light and life to all he brings”	The imagery of light and life suggests the transformative power of Christ.
Irony	A figure of speech where the intended meaning is different from the literal meaning.	(Not applicable in this poem)	Irony is not used in this poem.
Metaphor	A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	“Hail the Sun of Righteousness!”	Christ is compared to the sun, symbolizing his light and warmth.
Metonymy	The use of the name of one thing to represent something closely associated with it.	“with th’angelic hosts proclaim”	“Hosts” refers to the angels.
Onomatopoeia	The use of words that imitate the sounds they represent.	(Not applicable in this poem)	Onomatopoeia is not used in this poem.
Oxymoron	A figure of speech combining contradictory terms.	(Not applicable in this poem)	Oxymorons are not used in this poem.
Parallelism	The use of similar grammatical structures to express related ideas.	“Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”	The parallel structure emphasizes the message of the chorus.
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human things.	(Not applicable in this poem)	Personification is not used in this poem.
Pun	A play on words, often based on similar-sounding words.	(Not applicable in this poem)	Puns are not used in this poem.
Repetition	The repeated use of words, phrases, or sounds.	“Hark! the herald angels sing”	The repetition of the opening line emphasizes the message.
Simile	A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.”	(Not applicable in this poem)	Similes are not used in this poem.
Symbolism	The use of objects, characters, or events to represent something else.	“Christ” represents salvation and hope.	The figure of Christ represents the central theme of the poem.
Synecdoche	A figure of speech where a part represents the whole.	“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!”	“Prince” represents Christ as a whole.
Tone	The attitude or feeling expressed by the author.	Joyful, triumphant, and celebratory.	The overall tone reflects the joyous occasion of Christ’s birth.
Understatement	A figure of speech where something is expressed as less than it actually is.	(Not applicable in this poem)	Understatement is not used in this poem.

Themes: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

1. Joy and Celebration: The hymn is filled with expressions of joy and celebration, reflecting the joyous occasion of Christ’s birth. The repeated chorus, “Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King,'” conveys this theme. Additionally, lines like “Joyful, all ye nations, rise” and “Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!” reinforce the celebratory mood.
2. Divine Incarnation: The hymn emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus Christ and his incarnation as a human. Lines like “Christ, by highest heaven adored” and “veiled in flesh the Godhead see” highlight his divine status. The phrase “Immanuel” (God with us) further emphasizes the union of the divine and human.
3. Salvation and Hope: The hymn presents Christ as the savior of humanity, offering hope and salvation. Lines like “peace on earth, and mercy mild” and “born that we no more may die” convey this theme. The hymn suggests that Christ’s birth brings new life and the possibility of eternal salvation.
4. Universal Message: The hymn’s message is addressed to all people, regardless of their nationality or social status. Lines like “Joyful, all ye nations, rise” and “Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!” emphasize the universality of the message. The hymn suggests that the birth of Christ is a cause for celebration and hope for people everywhere.

Literary Theories and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

Theory	Key Concepts	References from the Poem	Explanation
New Criticism	Focuses on the text itself and its internal structure, emphasizing the close reading of the poem.	“Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King'”	New Criticism would analyze the poem’s structure, imagery, and symbolism to understand its meaning and significance.
Deconstruction	Challenges the idea of a single, fixed meaning, emphasizing the instability of language and the multiple interpretations possible.	“Christ, by highest heaven adored”	Deconstruction might question the fixed meaning of “Christ” and explore the ways in which the poem can be interpreted differently.
Reader-Response Theory	Emphasizes the reader’s role in creating meaning, arguing that the interpretation of a text is subjective and influenced by the reader’s experiences and beliefs.	“Joyful, all ye nations, rise”	Reader-Response Theory would consider how different readers might interpret the poem based on their own experiences and beliefs about Christmas and religion.

Critical Questions about “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

• How does the hymn’s emphasis on joy and celebration relate to the historical context in which it was written?
• The hymn was written during a time of religious revival and spiritual awakening. The emphasis on joy and celebration may reflect the enthusiasm and optimism that characterized this period. Additionally, the hymn might have been intended to inspire and uplift believers during a time of religious persecution.
• What is the significance of the imagery of light and darkness in the hymn?
• The imagery of light and darkness is a common theme in religious literature, often symbolizing good and evil. In this hymn, the imagery of light is associated with Christ and his message of hope and salvation. The darkness, on the other hand, may represent the sin and darkness that existed before Christ’s birth.
• How does the hymn’s message of universal salvation relate to the cultural and historical context of the 18th century?
• The hymn’s message of universal salvation was likely influenced by the Enlightenment, a period characterized by a growing emphasis on reason, individualism, and human rights. The idea that salvation was available to all people, regardless of their social or economic status, was a radical and revolutionary concept at the time.
• How has the hymn’s popularity and enduring appeal changed over time?
• “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” has remained a popular and beloved Christmas carol for centuries. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its catchy melody, powerful message, and ability to capture the spirit of the holiday season. However, the hymn’s interpretation and significance may have evolved over time, reflecting changes in cultural attitudes, religious beliefs, and the understanding of Christmas.

Literary Works Similar to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

1. “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts: Both celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with jubilant tones of praise and worship.
2. “O Holy Night” by Placide Cappeau: Similar in its reverence and awe of the divine birth, expressing profound joy and devotion.
3. “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Traditional French carol): Like Wesley’s hymn, it emphasizes angelic proclamations of Christ’s birth in a celebratory manner.
4. “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” by Edmund Sears: Both poems reflect on the angelic messages delivered on the night of Christ’s birth with a serene yet worshipful mood.
5. “The First Noel” (Traditional English carol): Shares the same narrative focus on the nativity story, with an emphasis on angels announcing the birth of Jesus.

Suggested Readings: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

1. Wesley, Charles, and George Whitefield. Hymns and Sacred Poems. 4th ed., Bristol, 1754.
2. Watson, J. R. The English Hymn: A Critical and Historical Study. Oxford University Press, 1997. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-english-hymn-9780198262944
3. Luff, Alan. Hymns and Carols of Christmas: A Study of Wesley’s Hymns. Epworth Press, 2007. https://www.amazon.com/Hymns-Carols-Christmas-Study-Wesleys/dp/0716206054
4. Webber, Christopher L. Hymnal Companion to the Lutheran Book of Worship. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 1981.
5. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Hymnary.org, Hymnary.org, https://hymnary.org/text/hark_the_herald_angels_sing_glory_to
6. “The History of ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions,
   https://www.learnreligions.com/hark-the-herald-angels-sing-701067

Representative Quotations of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King.'”	Beginning of the hymn, introducing the main theme of Christ’s birth.	New Criticism: This line emphasizes the hymn’s structure and the importance of the central message.
“Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”	Proclaiming the message of peace and reconciliation brought by Christ.	Deconstruction: This line could be interpreted in multiple ways, challenging the idea of a fixed meaning.
“Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies.”	Calling all nations to celebrate and rejoice.	Reader-Response Theory: This line might evoke different emotions and interpretations in different readers based on their personal experiences.
“Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord.”	Emphasizing the divine nature of Christ.	New Criticism: The repetition of “Christ” highlights the central figure of the hymn and reinforces the theme of divinity.
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity.”	Referring to the incarnation of God in human form.	Deconstruction: This line could be interpreted as a challenge to traditional notions of divinity and human nature.
“Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!”	Praising Christ as the source of peace and righteousness.	Reader-Response Theory: These lines might evoke feelings of hope and inspiration in readers.
“Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.”	Emphasizing the transformative power of Christ.	New Criticism: The imagery of light and healing reinforces the theme of salvation and redemption.
“Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die.”	Referring to Christ’s sacrifice and his role in saving humanity.	Deconstruction: This line could be interpreted as a challenge to traditional notions of sacrifice and redemption.
“Born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.”	Emphasizing Christ’s power to resurrect the dead and bring spiritual transformation.	Reader-Response Theory: These lines might evoke feelings of hope and anticipation in readers.
“Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King.'” (Refrain)	The repeated chorus reinforces the main theme of the hymn.	New Criticism: The repetition of this line creates a sense of unity and emphasizes the central message.