Building 429 - A Thrill Of Hope (O Holy Night / Agnus Dei) Lyrics
Lyrics
O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our 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 world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angels' voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
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
Christ is the Lord
O praise His name forever
His power and glory evermore proclaim
Holy, Holy, are You Lord, God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb
You are Holy, Holy, are You Lord, God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb
You are Holy
O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Video
Building 429 - A Thrill of Hope (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Building 429's "A Thrill of Hope (O Holy Night / Agnus Dei)," released on November 12, 2019, is a powerful reimagining of a beloved Christmas carol, weaving in the profound prayer of the Agnus Dei to create a singular expression of worship. The song directly taps into the ancient, yet eternally relevant, narrative of Christ's birth as presented in the Gospels, particularly Luke's account of the angelic announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14). The opening verses evoke the familiar scene of "O Holy Night," painting a picture of a world long burdened by "sin and error." This resonates deeply with the Old Testament prophecies foretelling a Savior who would bring light to those dwelling in darkness, as Isaiah proclaimed, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined" (Isaiah 9:2). The "thrill of hope" experienced when Christ appeared signifies the immediate and soul-stirring impact of the Incarnation, a moment where humanity's true worth, often obscured by sin, was revealed through God's love. The call to "fall on your knees" and "hear the angels' voices" echoes the awe and reverence that should accompany the recognition of this divine intervention.
The subsequent verses expand on the transformative nature of Christ's coming, emphasizing His teachings on love and peace. The line, "Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love, and His gospel is peace," directly mirrors Jesus' own teachings, such as the Great Commandment: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Matthew 22:37-39). Furthermore, the promise that "Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother / And in His name all oppression shall cease" finds its theological foundation in Jesus' declaration in the synagogue at Nazareth, where He read from Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free" (Luke 4:18). This song powerfully connects the miracle of Christmas with the ongoing mission of Christ to liberate and redeem all people, irrespective of their earthly circumstances. The inclusion of the "Agnus Dei" section, with its declarations of "Holy, Holy, are You Lord, God Almighty / Worthy is the Lamb," is a profound theological statement that elevates the birth narrative beyond a historical event. It places the infant Jesus firmly within His divine identity, acknowledging Him as the spotless Lamb of God, foretold by John the Baptist (John 1:29), whose sacrifice would atone for the sins of the world. This seamless integration of the Christmas story with the sacrificial lamb underscores the ultimate purpose of His birth – redemption. The song, therefore, is not just a Christmas anthem but a comprehensive declaration of Christ's identity and mission, from His humble arrival to His ultimate victory, inviting listeners to join in the eternal praise of a God who is both holy and merciful, bringing a thrill of hope that transcends the singular night of His birth and continues to shine brightly.