In 1847 the Parisien concert pianist Adolphe Adam set the poem "Minuit, Chrétiens" ("Midnight, Christians") to music. The poem was written by a French wine merchant, Placide Clappeau. An American journalist and classical music critic, John Dwight, translated the French carol into English in 1855.
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!
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 The 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.
Lyrics to "O Holy Night" and many more Christmas songs can be found at EmailSanta.com
(along with lots of other fun Christmas activities!).
Merry Christmas!