Verse One: Placide Cappeau, trans. John S. Dwight)
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, O holy night, O night divine!
Verse Two (Kevin Hartnett)
Humbly He lay, Creator come as creature,
Born on the floor of a hay-scattered stall.
True Son of God, yet bearing human feature,
He entered earth to reverse Adam’s fall.
In towering grace, He laid aside His glory,
And in our place, was sacrificed for sin.
Fall on your knees! O hear the gospel story!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Verse Three (Kevin Hartnett)
Come then to Him Who lies within the manger,
With joyful shepherds, proclaim Him as Lord.
Let not the Promised Son remain a stranger;
In reverent worship, make Christ your Adored.
Eternal life is theirs who would receive Him;
With grace and peace, their lives He will adorn.
Fall on your knees! Receive the Gift of heaven!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
I wrote new lyrics for verses two and three a few years ago. I did my best to keep the "feel" of the original (English translation) but move the song to one that emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas: the coming of Christ to Earth to redeem mankind. This song has a rather remarkable history. You can read about it here. The music was written by a Jewish man who set the lyrics of an infrequent church attender.
Can we agree that it's time to redeem this wonderful melody to advance the gospel?!
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