Fellow blogger FootnoteMaven has once again put forth the challenge to other bloggers to blog their favorite Christmas carols. This is the first time I’ve participated, but I think it is a wonderful tradition.

I’m a bit behind – the invitation said to blog the carol on December 16th – but better late than never!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

I have chosen my favorite carol, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. The carol is written by Charles Wesley, the brother of John Wesley, an early leader of the Methodist church. With its numerous scriptural references, the carol speaks of the mystery of the incarnation of Christ.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.
Luke 2:13-14

The tune that’s almost always used today was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840, for his cantata Festgesang, written to commemorate Johann Gutenberg and his invention of the printing press.

For this “blog carol” I am sharing one of my favorite versions of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing–the one sung by the whole Peanuts gang at the end of Charles Schultz’ animated Christmas special A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born 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!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King!