Angels From the Realms of Glory

This page includes a lyric video, as well as a short history of “Angels From the Realms of Glory.” I hope you enjoy singing this classic song and learning more about its history.

Enjoy this You Tube video with lyrics of “Angels From the Realms of Glory”:

This song was written in 1816 by James Montgomery as a poem. It was first published with the name “Nativity” in the Sheffield Iris, an English newspaper that Montgomery edited for over 30 years. He took his work very seriously, and wrote, “Authors who devote their talents to the glory of God, and the salvation of men, ought surely to take as much pain to polish and perfect their offerings of this kind, as secular and profane poets bestow upon their works.”

The music was composed by Henry Smart, a self-taught musician with a genius for organ music, in 1867. Smart created the tune for a hymnal being compiled for the Regent Square Presbyterian Church in London; the tune thus acquired its name “Regent Square.”

Interestingly, in England, Montgomery’s poem is traditionally paired with the tune that Americans use for “Angels We Have Heard on High.” However, in the U.S., Montgomery’s words found a perfect partner in Smart’s magnificent tune.

For more intriguing history on “Angels From the Realms of Glory” (and 19 other classic Christmas songs), you can purchase our Christmas Songs eBook (only $2.99; use code “celebrate20” for 20% off).

You can also download our free, complimentary Sheet Music for “Angels From the Realms of Glory.”

For additional resources (like original sheet music), visit Hymns and Carols of Christmas or Net Hymnal.

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