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"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a popular Christmas carol with an interesting history and some fun facts associated with it:

1. Origin: The lyrics for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" were written by Charles Wesley, an English Methodist leader and hymn writer, in 1739. Wesley's original opening line was "Hark, how all the welkin rings," but this was later changed to the familiar "Hark! The herald angels sing."

2. Musical Adaptation: The music for the carol was composed by Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer, in 1840. Mendelssohn originally composed the music as part of a cantata to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. The melody was later adapted to fit Wesley's lyrics by various composers, including William H. Cummings.

3. Christmas Association: While the carol was not originally written as a Christmas song, it has become closely associated with the holiday season. The lyrics celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the angels proclaiming his arrival to the shepherds, making it a fitting addition to Christmas celebrations.

4. Wesley's Hymnbook: The carol first appeared in Wesley's collection of hymns titled "Hymns and Sacred Poems" in 1739. It was intended to be sung on the occasion of the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

5. Altered Lyrics: Over the years, different versions of the lyrics have been published, with minor changes to the wording and structure. Some versions have altered phrases or omitted stanzas to better suit contemporary tastes.

6. Popular Renditions: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" has been recorded and performed by numerous artists across various genres. It remains one of the most beloved and widely sung Christmas carols around the world.

7. Variations in Title: The carol's title has appeared with variations over time. It is sometimes written as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" or simply "Hark! The Herald Angels." The title can be found with or without exclamation marks, depending on the publication.

8. Inclusion in Festivities: The carol is commonly sung in church services, caroling events, and Christmas concerts. Its uplifting melody and message of joy make it a staple of the holiday season.

9. Influential Hymnbook: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is one of many hymns and carols written by Charles Wesley. His hymns have had a profound influence on Christian worship and are still sung in churches around the world today.

10. Christmas Message: The lyrics of the carol emphasize the themes of peace, goodwill, and the arrival of the Savior. It has become a timeless reminder of the spiritual significance of Christmas.

These interesting facts highlight the rich history and enduring popularity of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" as a cherished Christmas carol.