O Holy Night

* When this song was written by adolphe Charles Adam, the 19th century French composer was frowned on by church authorities. One French bishop even went so far as to denounce it for it's "lack of musical taste and total absence of the spirit of religion". Despite this, it has become the most popular of all Christmas solos. Adam's friend and collaborator, the poet Cappeau de Roquemaure, was the first to supply a text for the melody, titling it "Cantique de Noel." The English words we use today, which made the tune "O Holy Night", were written by an American clergyman and musical authority named John Sullivan Dwight.

When I was growing up Gene Huber (am I right family?) sang this song every other year, alternating with "A Birthday of a King" (another of my all time favorites). I missed it when I moved away. About 9 years ago our ward boundaries were reallinged. Kevin Miles was in the same ward as I was, now. Guess which song he sings each December? You guessed it right! Yesterday was the day that he sang it. He only sang the first and third verses.

There are so many versions of this song around that it is not hard to find at this time of year. Some of them are wonderful, some are ok and some just shouldn't exist. Here are some of my favorite ones:
Elise Adams sings all three verses on her album.
The Majesty and Glory of Christmas- track 4
Marie Osmond




Josh Groban



Trans Siberian Orchestra


Celtic Woman


I always cry when I hear this song, but even more so when I hear this majestic voice.

Words to all Three verses:

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 Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!



*from Reader's Digest Merry Christmas songbook