Music by Adolphe Adam, words by Placide Cappeau; tr. John S. Dwight
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 appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy 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 came 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!
With humble hearts we bow in adoration
Before this Child, gift of God's matchless love,
Sent from on high to purchase our salvation
That we might dwell with Him ever above.
What grace untold to leave the bliss of glory
And die for sinners guilty and forlorn:
Fall on your knees! Repeat the wondrous story!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
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! Oh, praise His name forever!
His power and glory forevermore proclaim!
His power and glory forevermore proclaim!