Walter Sommer Christmas Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing has a rich history, starting as a poem written by Charles Wesley in 1739. Wesley, an English Methodist leader and prolific hymn writer, originally titled it “Hymn for Christmas-Day.” His lyrics were solemn and theological, focused on the profound spiritual meaning of Christ’s birth. The opening line was initially “Hark how all the welkin rings,” using the old English word “welkin,” meaning “heavens.”

In 1753, Wesley’s friend and fellow hymn writer George Whitefield altered the line to the more familiar “Hark! the herald angels sing.” This adaptation made the hymn more accessible and celebratory, aligning it with the joyous angelic announcement of Christ’s birth.

The tune we associate with it today came much later, in 1855, when musician William H. Cummings adapted it to a melody from Felix Mendelssohn’s 1840 composition, Festgesang. Mendelssohn had written the piece for the Gutenberg Printing Press’s 400th anniversary, not originally for religious purposes, but Cummings saw its potential to enhance Wesley’s lyrics.

Over time, the carol gained popularity in both England and America, becoming one of the most cherished Christmas hymns. Its evolution—from Wesley’s reflective hymn to a jubilant anthem about the birth of Jesus–illustrates the blending of theology, adaptation, and music that helped it endure across centuries.