"Hark! The herald angels sing", St. Bartholomew's Church

#87 from the Hymnal 1982. Closing Hymn with Fanfare on Christmas morning 2011 at St. Bartholomew's, an Episcopal church in New York City.
Words: Charles Wesley, 18th century
Tune: 'Mendelssohn', Felix Mendelssohn, adapted by William H. Cummings, both in the 19th century
Christmas hymns have become universal, regardless of the cultures and tongues that sing them, a testament to the unity that still guides the divided church. Here is a list of how this hymn is known in other languages. What is it in yours?
DK: "Hør, hvor englesangen toner"
ES: "Se oye un son en alta esfera"
NL: "Hoor de engelen zingen d'eer"
NO: "Høyr kor englar syng frå sky"
PL: "Słysz! Już herold śpieszy nieść"
PT: "Eis dos anjos a harmonia"
RU: "Вести ангельской внемли"
SV: "Lyss till ánglasångens ord"

[@JoeNYCBoi]

I can see it as a Processional too. But we had already used "O come, all ye faithful", which to me is a better Opening Hymn, as its refrain is an ideal invitation to "come" and "let us adore him". Perhaps the rationale behind choosing "Hark! The herald angels sing" as the Recessional is that we have already "come to Bethlehem", and will leave echoing the angels' message of good news. That's the beauty of this sacred music, though. The countless layers of meaning invite you into the moment.

[@churchorganfan]

I love this hymn but why did you use it as a recessional? I've always known it to be a traditional Processional Hymn.

[@TheJakeman789]

Looks more like a huge show then a church service. No need for that useless parade down the aisle!

[@brandonwood5725]

If you understood church liturgy, you would know that it is a processional. Perhaps you should learn to use correct grammar "than" to criticize that which you clearly fail to understand