The lyrics to “Angels from the Realms of Glory” were written by Scottish Poet James Montgomery in 1816. They were set to music (to the tune of “Regent Square”) in 1867 by Henry Thomas Smart.
This song calls on the “key players in the Christmas story” to come and worship the newborn Christ child during the nativity. The first verse calls upon “Angels from the realms of glory” to proclaim the birth of the messiah and worship him. The second verse calls upon shepherds residing in their fields, and tells them that God is now residing with man. The third calls upon the “Sages,” or wise men (Magi) to follow the “natal star.” Angels, wise men, and shepherds alike are all called from their various places, whether from heaven above, from the fields next to him, or from far-away lands to “come and worship Christ the newborn King.”
This song is in the public domain.
“Angels from the Realms of Glory”
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,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the new-born King.
Shepherds in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant Light:
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the new-born King.
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar:
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen his natal star:
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the new-born King.
Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In his temple shall appear.
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the new-born King.
Resources
Audio Recording from Library of Congress
Sheet Music for “Angels from the Realms of Glory” from the Library of Congress
