O Holy Night
Lyrics
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 world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Chorus
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.
Years ago in a San Angelo church, a young bride sat with her new family to celebrate Christmas. The candles glowed, the organ played, and the soloist began to sing. As the soloist’s voice grew stronger and notes went higher, tears flowed down the bride’s cheeks. Tears of longing for her own family she had never been away from on Christmas and tears of joy for the new family she was welcomed into to begin new memories. My heart is still warmed each time I hear “O Holy Night” during the holidays. This hymn sparks such strong joy in my heart for the love of family as I remember with fondness the Christmas Eve I sat in that church.
The words to “O Holy Night,” written by a French poet named Placide Cappeau, celebrated the renovation of the church organ. Four years later, the Jewish composer Adoph Adam wrote music to accompany the lyrics and “Cantique de Noel“ was born.
In 1906 after the hymn gained popularity in America, Reginald Fessenden - professor and former chemist for Thomas Edison - used a generator and microphone to broadcast voice over the airwaves by reading the Christmas story from Luke. When he was finished, he held his violin and played “O Holy Night” making it the first carol to be shared via airwaves.
The hymn has other legends surrounding its history, but for me, it will always mean the love of family. Many musicians have recorded a version and my favorite rendition is from Martina McBride. The high note at the end brings fresh tears each time I hear this beautiful Christmas carol.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;