Angels, from the Realms of Glory
Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth
A Christmas and Epiphany hymn calling all beings — angels, shepherds, sages, saints — to worship the newborn Christ. Each stanza addresses a different group and summons them to Bethlehem. The refrain Come and worship frames each call as an invitation to the reader as well.
History & Background
Written by James Montgomery (1771-1854) and published in his Sheffield Iris newspaper on Christmas Eve, 1816. The tune REGENT SQUARE was composed by Henry Smart (1813-1879) in 1867. Montgomery was a newspaper editor and prolific hymn writer.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 275
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 50
- Lutheran Service Book — 367
Bulletin Note
Angels, from the Realms of Glory — James Montgomery, 1816
Preaching Connection
The universal summons to worship Christ — all creation called to Bethlehem.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Cosmic proclamation of Christ's birth moves from heavenly announcement (angels) through earthly witnesses (shepherds, sages) to eschatological hope (saints awaiting return), culminating in universal call to worship
Themes
Christmas Angels Worship Epiphany