Meditation: Angels From the Realms of Glory

Here Norwegian soprano Sisel Kyrkjebo Rolf joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in singing "Angels from the Realms of Glory," a Christmas carol written by James Montgomery and first printed on Christmas Eve, 1816. In the United Kingdom the hymn came to be sung to the French carol tune "Iris," the tune used for "Angels We Have Heard on High." Montgomery wrote more than 400 hymns, about 100 of which are still being sung.

 

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:
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
(Glory to God in the Highest!)

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant Light;
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen His natal star;
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear:
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

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