He wrote his own text, beginning "Have you heard the sound of the angel voices",[1] three stanzas with the refrain "Gloria in excelsis Deo".

Rutter first composed Angels’ Carol in the 1980s to be performed by the winners of a competition choirboy and choirgirl in London, now defunct.

[1] The text alludes to several aspects of the Christmas story, with the Latin refrain "Gloria in excelsis Deo" from the angels' song mentioned in the Gospel of Luke narration of the annunciation to the shepherds.

[4] The third verse, "He will bring new light", is transposed by a shift in harmony, and is intensified by imitation, and by more entries with new thoughts about Earth and Heavens rejoicing.

[3][4] Angels' Carol was recorded in 2001 as part of The John Rutter Christmas Album, sung by The Cambridge Singers with the City of London Sinfonia, conducted by the composer.