Christmas Hymn of the Week: Angels We Have Heard on High

Dec 21

Written By Church of the Epiphany, E.Providence, RI

Hymn 96 Angels We Have Heard on High

Tune: Gloria (French)

Text: English translation by James Chadwick published 1862

The Cambridge Singers, King’s College, Cambridge, England (arranger and conductor John Rutter)

This is an ancient French folk song/carol, arranged for hymnal use in the 19th century. So, also, various forms of the text were sung by French villagers before a version was translated into English in the 19th century. The melody for the verses is wonderfully simple, and repeated, until it allows us to join in the glorious song of the angels:"Gloria in excelsis deo.” I love sensing that here we join with French folks through the ages, who now invite us, in heart and mind, to journey with the shepherds to witness for ourselves the astonishing event : God here for you and me. The music seems to get us up and go that way. One to sing out to make the windows rattle.

- The Rev. Ned Gammons