This song harkens back to the time when Charles Wesley was starting the Methodist Church and he penned this poem for a Christmas service. His poem was then set to somber music that was slow in tempo and very serious. It was fashioned after another of Wesley’s compositions, Christ the Lord has Risen Today.
It opened with a couplet that is a bit different than we know today. The original began with Hark! how all the Welkin rings, Glory to the Kings of Kings rather than Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn king that we still sing. Wesley’s co-worker, George Whitefield, made the lyric change not long after the first performance.
While we don’t know the exact date of the song, it was published in 1739 in a collection of songs from John Wesley.
Over the years, this song has been re-written, improved upon and tweaked to suit the needs of those who were performing it. It has several verses that have been written in, crossed out and rewritten.
Everyone had their hands in it, but no one ever changed the music until 1840 when it was over 100 years old. Felix Mendelssohn composed a cantata that celebrated the printing press by Johann Gutenberg and musician William H. Cummings had a “ta da” moment and swiped part of the cantata for Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. We’ve been singing Mendelssohn ever since.
This is a classic song that brings back memories of youth, and what better way to regain that youthful feeling than to enjoy the cast of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
Oh, don’t look at me that way; you know you loved it!
Who can resist the joyful gathering of Lucy, Linus, Charlie Brown, Pig Pen, Schroeder, Snoopy and all the rest? Let’s be joyful while I share some wonderful gift ideas that will make anyone on your gift list very joyful.
Large Mustard Gold Handmade Tote Bag
SimpleEmbroiderySew
Honda Goldwing Christmas Tree Ornament
Kevs Krafts
The Daily Grind Grinding Stone from Rustic Colorado
Butterfly in the Attic
Snowman Christmas Cards
AdorebyNat
Wire Wrapped Spiral Choker style necklace
Crafting Memories 1
Handmade Necklace and Earrings
Blue Morning Expressions
Amber Art Glass Platter or Tray
Resetar Glass Art
Victorian Style Watch
Treasures of Jewels
Citrine and Visage de Soleil Sun Gold-Filled Long Dangle Earrings
Kats All That
Art Glass Pendant Butterscotch Lampwork Glass Bead Sterling
Covergirl Beads
Gold Bracelet Puffy Squares Linked Beads Adjustable
The Singing Beader
Dog Coin Purse
SewAmazin
Gold Pearl Earrings
Pretty Gonzo
Gold Drop Earrings
Blonde Peach Jewelry
Fancy Fur Scarf and Hat Set
RSS Designs in Fiber
Gold Crystal Necklace
Linor Store
Dog Rescue Copper Paw Print and Hearts Earrings
Shadow Dog Designs
Round Faceted Green Glass and Gold Beaded Holiday Christmas Bracelet
Dianes Dangles
These talented artists are available for special requests or orders, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any questions about these pieces.
Here are some more showcases for you to enjoy:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3 Week 4
Silent Night, Holy Night
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
White Christmas
Hurry because handmade sells out fast, and when they are gone, they are gone! Buy now.
Enjoy!
Julie
Technorati Tags: bluemorningexpressions,blue morning expressions,handmade beads,lampwork beads,handmade jewelry,handmade necklaces,handmade bracelets,handmade earrings,shop handmade,vintage postcards,vintage gifts,handmade christmas gifts,christmas shopping,christmas ornaments,bracelets,necklaces,earrings,knit sweater,knit cowl,neckwarmer,jewelry,christmas carols
Than you for including my bracelet in your lovely joyful selection of Christmas gifts, will share.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting history of a well-loved (at least to me) Christmas song. Always look forward to see which song you will highlight next. And also enjoy seeing the handmade items you share in the post. A lovely selection of metallic-y, golden, coppery items from a group of very talented artists! Seamus and I thank you for including my dog rescue earrings. Seamus also sends treats to his friend, Blu.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie and Blue for another interesting post on Christmas songs! Really appreciate your time and effort put into promoting all of us! Sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie & Blu! All pinned and shared. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie & Blu! All pinned and shared. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie! It's always fun to see your picks! Thank you for showing my bracelet! All pinned.
ReplyDeleteGreat selections, Julie and Blu. Thank you so much for including my necklace. Shared.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie and Blu for another great mid week Christmas blog. Thanks for including my watch bracelet. Off to share.
ReplyDeleteYES....I loved the Charlie Brown version!! Thank you Julie for another entertaining week of sharing and fun. Sharing...
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite Christmas carols! And I totally love the Peanuts gang singing it. :) Thanks so much for all this work after you've been dealing with Hurricane Matthew - my goodness! And thanks for including my gold earrings. Treats to beautiful Blu from Gonze, and will be sharing!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed hearing about how far back one of my favorite Christmas carol's dates back. Thanks for including my Butterscotch lampwork pendant!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the history on the song and for including my crystal necklace. I've posted it on my website http://linorstore.com/about-me/features-as-seen-in/
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite Christmas songs! Thanks so much for featuring my tote bag along with all of these wonderful items. Pinned to my Christmas countdown.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting history on Christmas songs! Thank you for including my Snowman Christmas Cards. Off to share.
ReplyDeleteLove that part of Charlie Brown Christmas - I always tear up! Thank you for sharing - and for including my Fused Glass Platter in your informative blog. Sharing -
ReplyDelete