In 1816, Josef Mohr, the priest at St. Nicholas Church (great name!) in Oberndorf, Austria wrote a poem called 'Stille Nacht'. Two years later, on Christmas Eve no less, the church organ stopped working. In a panic, Mohr asked the church organist, Franz Gruber, if he could play something on his guitar to go with the poem. They played the new work at that night's service. By some accounts, the song was lost for a number of years until a visiting musician found it. Others say the organ repairman heard the song. Regardless, the song spread by word of mouth throughout Austria and Germany. The children of a glove-maker became famous singing the song at fairs and festivals. The Strasser children even sang for the King of Prussia. It was the King's musical director who uncovered the strange story of how a noisy, broken organ led to 'Silent Night'.
Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night, holy night! Son of God love's pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Lyrics to "Silent Night" and many more Christmas songs can be found at EmailSanta.com
(along with lots of other fun Christmas activities!).
Merry Christmas!
