Title: Angel from the realms of glory
Hymn Number: SS&S 29 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 Angels, from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story,
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth :
Come and worship !
Worship Christ, the new-born King !
2 Shepherd sin the field abiding,
Watching o’er their flocks by night;
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the Infant-light :
Come and worship !
Worship Christ, the new-born King !
3 Sages,leave your contemplations ;
Brighter visions beam afar !
Seek the great Desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star:
Come and worship !
Worship Christ, the new-born King!
4 Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear :
Come and worship !
Worship Christ, the new-born King !
About The Hymn
The hymn “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” numbered 29 in Sacred Songs and Solos, was written by James Montgomery in 1816. It is a jubilant hymn celebrating the birth of Christ, calling all creation to worship Him. Each of its four verses focuses on a different group—angels, shepherds, sages (wise men), and saints—who are invited to come and adore the newborn King. Rooted in the Nativity story, this hymn highlights themes of worship, divine revelation, and the universal call to acknowledge Christ’s lordship.
Verse 1: Angels’ Proclamation of Christ’s Birth
The first verse begins with the angelic announcement:
“Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth.”
This opening line sets the scene, envisioning angels descending from heaven to proclaim the news of Christ’s birth to all the earth. The imagery emphasizes the celestial and joyous nature of their message, underscoring the significance of Christ’s arrival as a monumental event for all creation.
The verse continues:
“Ye who sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth.”
This connects the angels’ role in the beginning of creation to their role in heralding the arrival of the Messiah, suggesting that Christ’s birth is a pivotal moment in the history of the universe. The verse ends with the triumphant refrain, “Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King,” extending an invitation to all to join in adoration.
Verse 2: Shepherds Called to Witness
The second verse shifts focus to the shepherds, who were the first to hear the angelic proclamation.
“Shepherds in the field abiding, watching o’er your flocks by night,”
This line vividly recalls the humble circumstances in which the shepherds received the good news. Their nightly vigilance symbolizes their readiness to witness God’s revelation, a reminder that Christ’s birth is announced not to the powerful, but to the lowly and faithful.
The verse continues:
“God with man is now residing, yonder shines the infant Light.”
This encapsulates the heart of the Incarnation—that God has come to dwell among humanity. The shepherds are called not just to observe but to worship the “infant Light,” the fulfillment of divine promise.
Verse 3: Wise Men Led by the Star
The third verse invites the sages, or wise men, who followed the star to Bethlehem.
“Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar.”
This line suggests that their intellectual pursuits and worldly wisdom pale in comparison to the divine revelation symbolized by the star. It is an invitation to step out in faith and seek the Christ child, whose coming surpasses all earthly knowledge.
The verse continues:
“Seek the great Desire of nations, ye have seen His natal star.”
The phrase “Desire of nations” references Haggai 2:7, highlighting Christ as the long-awaited Savior for all peoples. The wise men, representing Gentiles, symbolize the universal reach of Christ’s kingdom, extending the call to worship beyond Israel to the whole world.
Verse 4: Saints and All Creation Called to Adore
The final verse turns to believers, or saints, calling them to join the heavenly and earthly celebration.
“Saints before the altar bending, watching long in hope and fear,”
This line portrays the faithful who have waited in prayer and anticipation for the Messiah. Their posture of reverence reflects their deep faith and longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The verse concludes:
“Suddenly the Lord, descending, in His temple shall appear.”
This alludes to Christ’s ultimate return and the fulfillment of His kingdom. While the hymn celebrates His first coming, it also looks forward to His second coming, reminding worshippers that their faith and worship are part of a larger story that culminates in Christ’s eternal reign.
Overall Message and Significance
“Angels from the Realms of Glory” is a hymn of universal worship, calling people from all walks of life and all corners of creation to adore Christ. From the heavenly hosts to humble shepherds, from wise men to saints, the hymn unites all in the joyous proclamation of the Savior’s birth. Each verse builds on the theme of worship, showing how Christ’s coming transforms and invites everyone—lowly and great alike—into His presence.
Its refrain, “Come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King,” is a repeated call to action, reinforcing the central message: the appropriate response to the Incarnation is worship. The hymn not only celebrates the historical event of Christ’s birth but also points forward to His second coming, inspiring hope and devotion.
Through its majestic imagery and scriptural foundation, “Angels from the Realms of Glory” remains a cherished hymn for Christmas worship, inviting believers to join the angels and all creation in glorifying Christ, the newborn King.