December 16, 2020 (Tuesday)
The setting for this hymn is night at a field outside Bethlehem, where shepherds watching over their flocks were suddenly visited by many angels proclaiming “glory in the highest to God.” (Gloria in Excelsis Deo).
This hymn is of French origin and dates from the 1700s. Authors and composers unknown.
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
Words and Music of French origin
DATE – 18th century
[Verse 1]
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly swinging o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
[Chorus]
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
[Verse 2]
Shepherds why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
[Chorus]
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
[Verse 3]
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King
[Chorus]
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
[Verse 4]
See within in a manger laid
Jesus Lord of heav’n and earth
Mary, Joseph lend your aid
With us sing our Savior’s birth
[Chorus]
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Gloria In Excelsis Deo