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 birth;
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King.

Though an infant now we view him, he will share his Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to him; every knee shall then bow down.
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King.

This hymn has always been a favorite of mine because of its all-encompassing Biblically sound message of the Christmas story. On Christmas Eve, in 1816, the author James Montgomery paints in verse, a vivid picture of angels singing and shepherds in the fields following the star; while Mary & Joseph, wise men, and others are gathered viewing the miracle of Christ’s birth.

This poem has all the elements of the Christmas story, but most importantly, it includes the baby Jesus they are now worshiping who will share God’s throne one day. Montgomery’s 200 year-old poem was inspired from Luke 2:2 and was set to music in 1867 by Henry Smart.

To me, the hymn gives the ultimate opportunity that those singing can be part of the heavenly choir, by believing, worshiping, and proclaiming our Messiah’s birth.
This Advent season as we sing “Angels from the Realms of Glory”, it is my prayer, that all may realize the true miracle, and be invited to worship and receive the continued invitation of this time honored hymn.

— Betty Morgan

Question of the Day
Aside from Sunday morning worship at church, what is a way you can worship Christ this Advent season?