O HOLY NIGHT
"An angel of the Lord appeared...and...said to them, 'Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For
today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ
the Lord.'" Luke 2:8-11
Words: Placide Clappeau, 1847; translated from French to English by
John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893). Clappeau, a wine merchant and mayor of
Roquemaure, France, wrote poems for his own enjoyment. Dwight was editor
of Dwight's Journal of Music.
Music: Adolphe-Charles Adam (1803-1856).
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 soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Refrain
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy 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 Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend!
Refrain
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!
Refrain