The text’s strength may not lie so much in any orderly sequence of thought but in its use of Scripture to teach its theology. The focus shifts rapidly from angels, to us, to nations. The Psalter Hymnal Handbook describes the hymn like this: “A curious mixture of exclamation, exhortation, and theological reflection. We are told of Christ’s nature, his birth and incarnation, his ministry, and his salvific purpose. Simply by describing Christ, Wesley tells us the entire Gospel story. The first verse tells the story of the angels proclaiming Christ’s birth, and the second and third verse go on to make it very clear why the angels sang. Rather than simply tell the nativity story, Wesley pours theological truths into this text. Thus, as Albert Bailey writes, “the inspiration of his newly-made contact with God was still fresh” ( The Gospel in Hymns, 100). This hymn by Charles Wesley was written within a year of Wesley’s conversion. John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907) In the Public School Hymn Book, 1903, the opening lines are:. of Hymns Ancient & Modern the text as in the various editions 1861-1889, is restored, in addition to J. 487), and the well-known text as in the old edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern, and other collections as No. The rest of the hymn is the same as in the old edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern.Ģ. Wesley's opening lines:-Īre restored in the first stanza, and also used as a refrain. The 1904 edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern where C. Whitefield's Collection, 1753, and subsequently in the Supplement to Tate & Brady, has been adopted:-ġ. In most of the hymnals published since 1892, the well-known text, as altered in G. That teaching surely produces in us a childlike response of faith we too can sing "Glory to the newborn King!"Ĭhristmas Day another of the "must" hymns for an annual lesson/ carol festival. The text's strength may not lie so much in any orderly sequence of thought but in its use of Scripture to teach its theology. With a few word changes the Psalter Hymnal version is essentially the same as the one published in John Kempthorne's Select Portions of Psalms… and Hymns (1810).Ĭontaining biblical phrases from Luke, John, and Paul, the text is a curious mixture of exclamation, exhortation, and theological reflection. The text was extensively changed and shortened by various other eighteenth-century editors as well. In 1782 the revised opening couplet became repeated as the refrain. George Whitefield changed the first line to "Hark! The herald angels sing" and published the text with additional alterations in his Collection (1753). Originally entitled "Hymn for Christmas Day," this most popular of Wesley's Christmas hymns began with the following words: 1:3Ĭharles Wesley ( PHH 267) wrote this text in ten four-line stanzas and published it in Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739). A Collection of Hymns Adapted to the Use of the Methodist Episcopal Church #d203.A Collection of Evangelical Hymns made from Different Authors and Collections for the English Lutheran Church in New York #d95.Hanson Place Methodist Episcopal Congregation #d58 A Church of England Hymn Book: adapted to the daily services of the Church throughout the year #112.A Church Hymn Book: for the use of congregations of the United Church of England and Ireland #9.A Choice Selection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the use of the Baptist Church and all lovers of song #252.A Choice Selection of Evangelical Hymns, from various authors: for the use of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church in New York #30.A Choice Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs: intended for the edification of sincere Christians of all denominations #LXII.A Book of Song and Service: for Sunday school and home #158.A Baptist Hymn Book, Designed Especially for the Regular Baptist Church and All Lovers of Truth #d270.
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