The 12th track on the album 'A Present From Christmas Past'
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Story behind the song
Written in 1847 with music by Adolphe C.Adam and
original French lyrics by Placide Clappeau de Roquemaure, Cantique de Noël or Minuit Chrétiens as it's sometimes known was subsequently translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight. Boston, Massachusetts born Dwight served as a pastor for six years of his life, before concentrating on literary work which included the editing of Dwight's Journal of Music. Allegedly, O Holy Night was the first piece of music ever to be broadcast over the radio. Apart from O Holy Night, composer Adam is best known for his ballet Giselle (1841).
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.
Fall on your knees! oh 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
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friends
He knows our need, 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 he shall break, for the slave is our brother
And in his name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
With all our hearts we praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle
Où l'Homme-Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous
Pour effacer la tache originelle
Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux
Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance
En cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur
Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance
Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur
Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur !