Hark! What Mean Those Holy Voices

Above:  Nativity, by Sandro Botticelli

Image in the Public Domain

Hymn Source = The Hymnal (1895), Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.

(My lead, The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, contains an altered translation.)

Words (circa 1816) by John Cawood (1775-1852)

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1.  Hark! what mean those holy voices,

Sweetly warbling in the skies?

Sure the angelic host rejoices,

Loudest alleluias rise.

2.  Listen to the wondrous story,

Which they chant in hymns of joy:

“Glory to God in the highest, glory;

Glory be to God Most High!

3.  “Peace on earth, good-will from heaven,

Reaching far as man is found;

Souls redeemed, and sins forgiven;

Loud our golden harps shall sound.

4.  “Christ is born, the great Anointed;

Heaven and earth His glory sing:

Glad receive whom God appointed

For your Prophet, Priest, and King.

5.  “Hasten, mortals, to adore Him;

Learn His Name, and taste His joy;

Till in heaven you sing before Him,

Glory be to God Most High!”

6.  Let us learn the wondrous story

Of our great Redeemer’s birth,

Spread the brightness of His glory,

Till it cover all the earth.