O Holy Night

Summary


"O Holy Night" is one of the most celebrated Christmas carols ever written, opening with a vision of a star-filled sky on the night of Christ's birth. Cappeau's three verses move from the world's weary longing for redemption, through the humble scene of wise men kneeling before the manger, to a rousing call for love, peace, and freedom — declaring that chains shall break and all oppression cease. The poem builds from quiet reverence to triumphant praise.

Listen to audio


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_E_pR7_3SREMOLP_TSIbRB-aPmLaSMgN/view?usp=drive_link

Read Online

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the 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! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O 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 came the wise men from the 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 no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, your King, before Him lowly bend!

Three wise men kneel before the manger in a glowing nativity scene, illustrating O Holy Night by Placide Cappeau.

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! Then ever, ever praise we!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!

Credits

Placide Cappeau was a 19th-century French poet and wine merchant from Roquemaure who wrote the lyrics to this carol in 1847. The words were set to music by composer Adolphe Adam, and the carol became widely beloved long before Cappeau's authorship was fully acknowledged. Notably, it was the first piece of music ever broadcast on radio in France.