Lyrics
Verse 1
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
Verse 2
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
Verse 3
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at thy birth
Jesus, Lord at thy birth
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Meaning & Inspiration
This version of the classic Christmas carol keeps the familiar three verses. The first verse looks at the Virgin Mother and the holy Infant, tender and mild, and ends with a prayer for heavenly peace.
The second verse follows Luke's account, as shepherds tremble at the sight and glory streams from heaven while the heavenly hosts sing Alleluia. The announcement "Christ, the Savior is born" is repeated, matching the angel's message to the shepherds. The third verse turns to praise, calling the child the Son of God and "love's pure light", and speaks of redeeming grace shining from His face at His birth.
The carol keeps its wording plain and its pace slow, so the central claim of the incarnation is easy to hold and sing in quiet gatherings and carol services.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:8-14 Shepherds are afraid at the glory of the Lord, and a host of angels praises God at the birth of Christ.
- Luke 2:11 The angel announces a Savior, Christ the Lord, born in the city of David.
- Titus 2:11 The grace of God has appeared bringing salvation, echoing the "redeeming grace" of the third verse.