In 1855 the French carol, Les Anges dan Nos Campagnes, was first published. The tune, which tells of the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth, was later translated 
and published into English. This refrain of the classic song takes the text from Luke 2:14 and provides the message the shepherds heard more than 2000 years ago; “Glory to God in the highest…” Singing in Latin, we hear the angel’s song translated, “Gloria, in excelsis Deo!”
Each of the four verses build upon the shepherds experience and what they might have said following the angelic appearance. “We have heard angels on high sweetly singing across the plain…” Perhaps as they ‘went back glorifying and praising God…’ they were asked “Shepherds, why are you so excited (jubilant)? What good news (glad tidings) do you have?” Perhaps they would have responded (and we sing), ‘Come to Bethlehem and see…’
But perhaps the most interesting part of this carol is to WHOM the angels first appeared. Not the priest in 
Jerusalem, nor the scribes and scholars. They didn’t even appear before the high ranking Jew’s leaders, the ones who were studied and anticipating the Messiah. Instead, the angels appeared to the lowly shepherds. Some have even concluded that perhaps these men tending their flocks were the same men who annually supplied lambs for the Passover sacrifices. Just think, they left the lambs for God to meet the Lamb of God.
If we can better understand some of these songs of the season I believe we’ll be better equipped to not only sing them, but appreciate them. Our “Christmas Song of the Day”…
.Angels We Have Heard on High.
- Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains
- And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains
CHORUS:
- Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
- Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
- Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
- What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?
- Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing;
- Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
- See Him in a manger laid Jesus Lord of heaven and earth;
- Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.