Lyrics
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit 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!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
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Meaning & Inspiration
O Holy Night reflects on the birth of Christ as the arrival of hope in a weary and sinful world. The first verse sets the incarnation against human need, then answers that darkness with rejoicing, worship, and the call to kneel. The song treats the night of the Nativity as holy because the promised Savior has entered the world, not merely because of its stars or stillness.
The later verses bring together familiar biblical scenes and the meaning drawn from them. The star and the visitors from the East recall the account of the Magi, while the lowly manger places the King close to human weakness. The final movement extends beyond the cradle to the teaching of Christ: love of neighbor, peace, freedom from oppression, and praise of his name. Although some phrases are poetic expansions rather than direct quotations, the song remains anchored in the Gospel witness to Christ as Savior, King, and Lord.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-14 The angels announce the birth of the Savior and proclaim glory and peace.
- Matthew 2:1-11 The Magi follow the star and bow before the child with worship.
- Isaiah 9:6 The promised child is named Prince of Peace and mighty ruler.