Dec 15: Angels From the Realms of Glory | Melanie Chamberlain, Utah

Today's posting comes from my sister-in-law, Melanie Chamberlain. This girl is awesome! She is so kindhearted and truly loves people. Mel is one of the most optimistic people I know. She's a smart Doctor of Physical Therapy and in her small amount of spare time, she is a temple worker for our church. I am so glad my children have her as an aunt; she's a good example.

Mel says, "I’m not very eloquent, and I’m not very musical...That definitely makes writing something, like this, a little bit difficult. Anyone who knows me knows that I enjoy singing along to music. Sure, sometimes I’m too loud and slightly off-key, but singing is a great way to express myself. I love finding songs that speak truth to me because when I sing along, I’m able to sing a message I didn’t know how to say. That’s one of the reasons I love this song--I can sing my praises to God!"

She continues, "There are so many things I like about this song, Angels from the Realms of Glory. This song takes a few verses written by poet, James Montgomery, and incorporates the praises to God from 'Angels We Have Heard on High.' Jon Schmidt on the piano and Steven Sharp Nelson on the cello never disappoint. Add the rich vocals of Peter Hollens and David Archuleta, and top it off with the beautiful sounds of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir- you’ve got a recipe for something beautiful and amazing. The video is pretty powerful as well. It shows families recreating the nativity scene to celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As the music builds to the part, 'every knee shall then bow down' as the wisemen kneel to the baby Jesus gives me chills."

Mel concludes saying, "Until I wrote down the words, I didn’t realize just how few lyrics there are in this song. There are a couple of short verses, but then ‘Gloria! Gloria in excelsis Deo!’ (Glory to God in the Highest), and the powerful music make up most of the song. The focus of the song is glorifying God--and that’s what Christmas is all about! Try singing along; it’s powerful! If you turn it up loud enough, it’s even okay if you’re a little off key."

Angels From the Realms of Glory

Performed by Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, Peter Hollens, David Archuleta and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Angels from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight o’er all the earth;

Ye who sang creation’s story

Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

Gloria! Gloria!

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria, Gloria

Gloria

Saints before the alter bending

Watching on in hope and fear

Suddenly the Lord descending

In his temple shall appear

Though an infant now we view him

He shall fill His Father’s throne

Gather all the nations to Him

Ever knee shall then bow down

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria, Deo!