O Holy Night

Words and Music: Adolphe Adam (1803-1856)

The inspiring hymn, "Cantique de Noël" ("O Holy Night"), was written by a distinguished French composer, Adolphe Adam. His father was a pianist, yet he did not want his son to become a musician. At first, Adolphe taught himself music, and, later, his father allowed him to follow this profession.

Adolphe Adam's life ambition was to be a composer of grand opera. He did not achieve success in this, but he did compose many stage works and ballets, the most frequently performed of these being the ballet, "Giselle."

"O Holy Night" received repeated attacks from ecclesiastical 21 authorities on music, saying that the song "lacks of good musical taste, and has a total absence of the spirit of religion." However, a century after its composition, "O Holy Night" remains one of the most popular and stirring Christmas songs ever written.


Oh Holy Night

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 appear'd 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
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh 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
Te King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.

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.