The lyrics for ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ were written by Methodist Charles Wesley in 1739, and they first appeared in the collection Hymns and Sacred Poems. But Charles Wesley’s words were sung ...

The Herald Angels Sing." The group was accompanied by the All-American Boys Chorus, making this an especially gorgeous performance. Watch it above, and just try to avoid the holiday cheer.

Then take the music, written by Felix Mendelssohn—one of the greatest Christian composers of the 19th century, yet also the grandson of Moses Mendelssohn, one of the greatest Jewish philosophers.