"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" is one of the best-known and best-loved Christmas songs and has been for well over 260 years.

But you might not recognize the original lyrics. It began with:

Hark how all the welkin rings, Glory to the King of Kings

What on earth is a welkin? And how did this hymn change over time?

Here’s the story behind the original hymn, the change in its lyrics, and how it came to be the familiar song we know today.

Merry Christmas, from ReasonableTheology.org

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Hymn Story: Hark the Herald Angels Sing | Bonus Audio