O Holy Night

 

My favorite Christmas song is “O Holy Night.”  My favorite rendition of it is the one sung by Martina McBride.  I just love to have a quiet moment in my car when I’m driving by myself during this very busy season and listen to this song.  It’s the one song I HAVE to listen to during the holidays.

Sometimes when I listen to this song, I close my eyes and just soak in the lyrics.  It is so powerful and wonderful to be still and focus on the reason for Christmas, and God’s redemptive plan for us.

Out of curiosity, I looked up online who wrote this song and found out the story behind it.  The song was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847.  It was adapted from a French poem written by Placide Cappeau titled, “Cantique de Noel.”

Here is the literal English translation of the poem, “Cantique de Noel.”

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,

When God as man descended unto us

To erase the stain of original sin

And to end the wrath of His Father.

The entire world thrills with hope

On this night that gives it a Savior.

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

May the ardent light of our Faith

Guide us all to the cradle of the infant,

As in ancient times a brilliant star

Guided the Oriental kings there.

The King of Kings was born in a humble manger;

O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,

It is to your pride that God preaches.

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has broken every bond:

The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.

He sees a brother where there was only a slave,

Love unites those that iron had chained.

Who will tell Him of our gratitude,

For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.

People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,

Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

 

What a lovely poem!  Thank you, God, for saving us!

Merry Christmas!

Melissa