O Holy Night

I thoroughly enjoy Christmas music. I could listen to Christmas music year round, at least that which glorifies the Lord! “O Holy Night,” one of my favorite Christmas carols, was originally composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to a French poem entitled,”Minuit, chrétiens” – meaning “Midnight, Christians” – written by Frenchman Placide Cappeau. 

The original text, translated into English by American John Sullivan Dwight in 1855, beautifully reflects upon the birth of Jesus and on humanity’s redemption in Him.

In the first verse the ANNOUNCEMENT of the Savior occurs on this Holy Night:

1 O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
it is the night of the dear Savior’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! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

In the second verse the hymn highlights the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of His arrival: 

2 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,
there came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
in all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

Then highlighted in the third verse our response to His coming: ADORATION Forevermore:

3 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! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

The Savior came to break the chains of sin that enslave people and provide salvation that sets the sinner free, for He was born to die. As the Apostle Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 5:21, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Hallelujah!

Here is my favorite rendition of the song – performed by Mariah Carey. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!