Day 15 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar opens the door to one of the most beloved and theologically rich Christmas carols of all time: Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

This episode is a special double feature. It is both Day 15 of the Advent Calendar and LifeSpring Carol Stories, Episode 23. Together, Steve Webb and James Cooper explore the fascinating history behind the words and music that proclaim the birth of Christ with joy and clarity.

The Story Behind “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

The lyrics were written in 1737 by Charles Wesley, one of the most influential hymn writers in church history. Wesley originally opened the hymn with the line “Hark, how all the welkin rings,” using an old English word meaning the heavens. Publishers later changed the wording to what we now sing today, a revision Wesley himself reportedly disliked.

Even more surprising is the origin of the music. The tune we associate with Hark the Herald Angels Sing was composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840 for a completely different purpose: a celebratory piece honoring the invention of the printing press. Mendelssohn never intended the tune to be used for sacred music.

It was William Hayman Cummings who eventually paired Wesley’s lyrics with Mendelssohn’s tune in the mid-19th century, shaping the carol as we know it today. Later additions, including the famous descant, would not appear until the 20th century.

Why This Carol Still Matters

Hark the Herald Angels Sing proclaims some of the clearest Christmas theology found in any hymn: the incarnation of Christ, peace between God and humanity, and the good news offered to all people. Knowing the story behind the carol deepens our appreciation for the words we sing year after year.

If you’re enjoying this Advent journey, check out Day 1 of the Advent Calendar for an introduction to Advent’s meaning and significance. [oai_citation:1‡lifespringmedia.com](https://lifespringmedia.com/lifespring-whychristmas/advent01-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

To explore more Christmas traditions, carols, and customs from around the world, visit WhyChristmas.com.

Come back tomorrow for Day 16 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar.