O Holy Night

O Holy Night

In 1847, a broken organ brought about one of the most amazing moments in the history of the church when a parish priest in a small French town asked a wine merchant to write a poem for Christmas. Placide Cappeau obliged by putting together a poem after reading the account of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Luke.

The poem, entitled “Cantique de Noel,” turned out to be well received. It was quickly put to music by a Jewish songwriter named Adolphe Adams. The lyrics and the music were a huge hit.

However, the mid-19th century was not a great time for being a Jew in France. When it was learned that Cappeau had Socialist leanings and that Adams was a Jew, the church banned the song, criticizing it for being “absent of the spirit of religion” and “totally unfit for church services.”

Though banned by the church, the people continued to sing the beloved song. In 1855, a young American abolitionist named John Dwight took up its cause after hearing its third verse. He translated the song into English and brought the song to America to support the anti-slavery movement. There it was embraced and loved by all who heard it.

The name of the parish priest is unknown, the lyrics were penned by an unchurched poet, the music was written by a Jew who had never celebrated Christmas and it was popularized by a Unitarian who used it to advance a political agenda. Here is the full text of what is possibly the greatest Christmas song ever written, “O Holy Night!”

https://youtu.be/ElJ0fiD0lkc?si=WWQyaYfSZspRSRsc

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

‘Til He appear’d 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 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.

He knows our need, to 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 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! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.