Advent Songs: Angels We Have Heard on High | Day 14

Day 14 | Angels We Have Heard on High

Scripture to Ponder: Luke 2:14 + Hebrews 11

Synonymous with the Christmas season, Angels We Have Heard on High is among the most ubiquitous Advent songs. James Chadwick added his own lyrics to this song, originally a French carol. This song is a celebration of the long-awaited Messiah and King. The Latin refrain means, Glory to God in the Highest, calling to mind the angels’ song in Luke 2:14:

“Glory to God in the highest,
 and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

With whom is God pleased? He is pleased with His Son (Luke 3:22). He is not pleased with the Pharisees and the self-righteous. He is pleased with everyone who has faith in the Son and His works. Without faith, it is impossible to please him (Hebrews 11:6). For those who believe, we have peace with the Father, the reconciliation that Christ paid for by his death and resurrection.

Angels We Have Heard on High | James Chadwick
1862

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly, sweetly through the night
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their brief delight

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing,
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo