Lyrics
Verse 1
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
'Til 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
O hear the Angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine, O night
O night divine
Verse 2
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for his child 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
Their name forever praise we
Noel, Noel
O night, O night divine
Noel, Noel
O night, O holy night
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Meaning & Inspiration
This carol, in the version recorded by Carrie Underwood, keeps the familiar two verses of "O Holy Night" and centers on the birth of Christ. The first verse describes a world that "lay in sin and error pining" until the Savior appeared, and the phrase "the soul felt its worth" presents his coming as a gift of dignity as well as rescue.
The line "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices" captures the mood of the nativity story, where angels announce good news to shepherds. The call to "Fall on your knees" invites worship in response to that announcement.
The second verse moves from the manger to Jesus' teaching, stating that "His law is love and His Gospel is Peace." It adds that "Chains shall He break" and "all oppression shall cease," a hope that draws on Isaiah's picture of liberty for captives. The ending returns to "Noel" and a closing refrain of praise to "Christ the Lord."
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-11 The angel announces good news of great joy and the birth of a Savior, Christ the Lord.
- Isaiah 61:1 The anointed one is sent to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.