Dedication | Lyrics ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH The text and melody of this carol are believed to be eighteenth century French - except for the Latin chorus "Gloria in Excelsis Deo", which means "Glory to God in the highest". It is often called the Westminster Carol since it was sung every year at Westminster chapel. I've chosen this carol for a very particular reason. And the HO-HO-HOs that are floating across your screen, too. My mother, to whom I dedicate this page, was a Sunday School teacher and she frequently had the job of teaching the young children the hymns that were to be sung at the Christmas pageant. The younger ones had a bit of trouble holding the "O" on "Gloria", so she taught them to sing "Glo-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ri-a". An entire generation of kids grew up calling this hymn The Ho-ho Song! Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains. Gloria In excelsis Deo. Gloria In excelsis Deo. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav'nly song? Gloria In excelsis Deo. Gloria In excelsis Deo. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come adore on bended knee, Christ, the Lord, the new-born King. Gloria In excelsis Deo. Gloria In excelsis Deo. See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise. Gloria In excelsis Deo. Gloria In excelsis Deo. This page is dedicated to my mother, Helen Lehr. Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas! I know you're teaching all those cherubs up there! I'd also like to include one of my cherubs, my oldest daughter, who was one of the "Ho-Ho" generation and who includes this as one of her favorite carols.