O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam

Introduction

“O Holy Night” is one of the most beloved and powerful Christmas carols, known for its soaring melody and profound lyrics. Composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847, the song captures the reverence and awe of the night of Christ’s birth, making it a timeless piece in the celebration of Christmas across the world.

O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam Lyrics

Lyrics

1. 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 world¹ rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

ChorusFall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
O night, O holy night, O night divine.

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,
Here come the wise men from Orient land,
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend;

ChorusHe knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!²
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! your King! before him bend!

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!

ChorusChrist is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!³
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!

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History

The origins of “O Holy Night” trace back to France in the mid-19th century. The song began as a poem titled “Minuit, chrétiens” (“Midnight, Christians”), written by French poet Placide Cappeau. In 1847, Cappeau, a wine merchant and poet, was asked by his parish priest to write a Christmas poem. Moved by the Gospel of Luke, Cappeau penned the lyrics, which reflect the momentous and sacred night of Christ’s birth. The poem was then set to music by Adolphe Adam, a well-known composer of operas and ballets at the time. Adam’s composition, with its rich orchestration and dynamic range, perfectly complemented the emotional depth of Cappeau’s words.

The carol was an immediate success in France, but it faced some controversy when church authorities learned that Cappeau held anti-clerical views and that Adam was Jewish. Despite these initial objections, “O Holy Night” gained popularity and was eventually translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight, an American Unitarian minister, in 1855. Dwight’s version, with its emphasis on social justice, especially the abolition of slavery, resonated deeply in America during the Civil War era. Over time, “O Holy Night” became a cherished hymn, performed by countless artists and sung in churches and homes around the world each Christmas.

Conclusion

“O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam remains a powerful and moving carol that continues to inspire and uplift listeners every Christmas season. Its message of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of Christ’s birth is as relevant today as it was over a century ago. The carol’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to convey the profound significance of that holy night, making it a timeless piece of musical history.