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1    Angels, from the realms of glory,
    wing your flight o'er all the earth;
    once you sang creation's story,
    now proclaim Messiah's birth:
    Come and worship, come and worship,
    worship Christ, the newborn king.

2    Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
    watching o'er your flocks by night,
    God with us is now residing,
    yonder shines the infant light.
    Come and worship, come and worship,
    worship Christ, the newborn king.

3    Sages, leave your contemplations,
    brighter visions beam afar;
    seek the great desire of nations,
    you have seen his natal star.
    Come and worship, come and worship,
    worship Christ, the newborn king.

4    All creation, join in praising
    God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
    evermore your voices raising
    to the eternal Three in One.
    Come and worship, come and worship,
    worship Christ, the newborn king.

Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854, alt., sts. 1-3; Salisbury Hymn Book, 1857, st. 4
I love Christmas music, but I have to admit that I am really not that familiar with all of the verses of "Angels From the Realms of Glory".  I know the first line regarding the angels which is probably why I thought this whole song was about Angels, and I know the refrain of "Come and Worship, Come and Worship, Worship Christ the Newborn King".  I did some research and what I learned is that this song is about inviting everyone to come and worship.  The original poem starting with Angels then moved on to Shepherds, then from the Shepherds to the Sage (wisemen), then from the wisemen to the saints, and from the saints to the sinners. In our modern versions, the final verse states "all creation" which is still a call for saints and sinners alike.  I will probably always consider this an angel song, but it is also a song to sing during this season to remind us that all are invited to come and worship. As you hear this song this Advent and Christmas season may it help you to remember to "come and worship" and to invite others to "come and worship" with us.
 
Heavenly Father,  may the angels and shepherds we see this Advent and Christmas season to remind us to "come and worship", to invite other join us, and to remember the reason we celebrate this season. Amen. 

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