Bring the beloved New Testament Christmas story to life with this Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Song Story idea! For a neat way to introduce or review this Christmas hymn, read the nativity story from Luke 2 and weave the lyrics into the story!
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Song Story
Your primary children will love following along with the scriptural account of Christ’s birth as you sing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (archives) line by line. I love that this activity focuses specifically on the part of the story that tells about the angels who visit the shepherds to tell of Christ’s birth.
At the beginning of singing time, tell the children that you have a special story to share with them. This story comes from the scriptures. Remind the children to be reverent as you share the story.
Each part of the story has a scripture reference. You can choose to read the story directly from the scriptures, or you can leave out the scripture references to make it flow more like a story if you’d like. This activity is most effective when you use a lot of expression throughout the story, so bring your best narrator voice!
Start by reading Luke 2:8-9. Then, sing just the first line of the song,
*Sing: “Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the newborn king.”
Next, read Luke 2:10, followed by the next line of the song.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people.”
*Sing: “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
The story and song should flow seamlessly as you sing acapella. Don’t be afraid to sing solo! Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a lovely singer, the children will love it!
Luke 2:11 – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
*Sing: “Joyful, all ye nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies;”
Luke 2:12 – “And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
*Sing: With th’angelic hosts proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Luke 2:13-14 – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
*Sing: *Sing: “Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the newborn king.”
When you finish the story, ask, “How did you feel as you listened to that story?” Invite a few children to share any impressions they had while listening to the story and song.
Let’s sing it together now! I recommend grabbing copy of the Hark the Herald Angels Sing flip chart for this song to follow along with the lyrics as you review together.
Sing through the verse and chorus once or twice before closing with your testimony. I always like to finish with a brief testimony to help convey the message and purpose of each song I teach in primary.
Extension Activities:
- Choose readers to come up and read through the story with you. Choose one strong reader to read the entire story or pick 2-3 readers to take turns. If they are feeling extra brave, have them sing each line throughout the story. If they need some help, sing with them!
- Cut out the story into song word strips, with one line and section of the story for each word strip. Number each strip #1-5. Divide the word strips among classes. Have each class read aloud their section of the story, then sing their line.
- Add verse 2 by reading 3 Nephi 25:2. Break it up into very small phrases, or just read the scripture and see how the song fits the scripture. What phrases from the song do you hear in the scripture?
- Act it out! Choose a few children to be the shepherds and choose one angel. Then, have a few more kids represent the multitude of angels. Have them act out the story as you read.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Choose to Serve the Lord Song Story singing time activity!
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Song Story Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page song story outline.
This activity has extended printables available including 2 song story options for the 2nd verse and larger full page song story posters. You’ll find these bonus printables included in the INSTANT Primary Singing membership when Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is the featured song of the month.
Get more out of singing time with the INSTANT Primary Singing membership that includes printable lesson plans, tons of extended printables and an ad-free experience for each featured song of the month, or get immediate access to the entire song list for the year!
Learn more about INSTANT Primary Singing membership options here!
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Head over to this Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Dramatic Song Leading and use fun movements as you lead this song!
What other fun ways will you use this song story singing time activity in your Primary room?
