Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains
A joyful Christmas carol celebrating the angels' announcement to the shepherds. The Latin refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo connects the carol directly to the heavenly song of Luke 2:14 and the Gloria of the liturgy. Three stanzas: the angels' song, the shepherds' response, and the arrival at Bethlehem.
History & Background
A traditional French carol, first published in Nouveau recueil de cantiques in 1855. The traditional French text Les Anges dans nos campagnes was translated into English by James Chadwick (1813-1882) in 1862. The tune GLORIA is a traditional French carol melody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 289
- Gather 4th Edition — 474
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 71
- Lutheran Service Book — 367
Bulletin Note
Angels We Have Heard on High — French carol, 18th c.
Preaching Connection
Luke 2:8-14 — the angels' announcement to the shepherds and the Gloria.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Proclamation of Christ's birth by heavenly messengers → Questioning shepherds → Invitation to witness the Incarnation → Adoration of the newborn King
Themes
Christmas Angels Gloria Incarnation