O Holy Night

Today’s carol is another one suggested by my friend Sandy.  O Holy Night placed  number seven on the Top Ten Christmas Carols.

In the Western world we think this song should be sung closer to December 25th but in Eastern Orthodox Churches they celebrate Christmas on Jan 7th. The Orthodox Church celebrates the birth of Jesus on January 7 because they use the Julian calendar to figure out when their holidays are.

The carol “O Holy Night” was composed in 1847 by French composer and organist Adolphe Adam.  The lyrics were written by a poet named Placide Cappeau.  He was a French wine merchant who was asked by a parish priest to write something for the Christmas season that could be performed in church.

After the poem was set to music by Adolphe Adam, the first performance was held on Christmas Eve in the church of Roquemaure, France.

The song was translated into English in 1855.  Here are the English lyrics.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, 

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth. 

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 

Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. 

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, 

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices! 

Oh night divine, the night when Christ was born; 

Oh night, divine, oh night, when Christ was born. 

Oh night divine, oh night, oh night Divine. 

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, 

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. 

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, 

Here come the wise men from Orient land. 

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; 

In all our trials, born to be our friend. 

He knows our need, to our weakness no stranger, 

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! 

Behold your King, before Him lowly bend! 

Behold your King, before Him lowly bend! 

Truly He taught us to love one another, 

His law is love and His gospel is peace. 

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother; 

And in His name all oppression shall cease. 

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, 

Let all within us praise His holy name. 

Christ is the Lord, oh praise His name forever, 

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

This carol has become one of the best loved carols of all times.  Its message of hope and joy can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Have a great day everyone!

# living life abundantly  # published author  # travelling tuesdays