Angels We Have Heard on High - Traditional

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Angels We Have Heard on High lyrics describe the shepherds encounter with the celestial choir and their invitation to join in the praise of the newborn Child. The song Angels We Have Heard on High is best known for its long melismatic Gloria which echoes the jubilation of heaven. It calls everyone to come adore on bended knee Christ the Lord the newborn King. By singing the Angels We Have Heard on High lyrics the congregation joins in the cosmic celebration of the Incarnation bridging the gap between earth and the heavenly heights with a song of pure unadulterated praise and festive joy.