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 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!
Led by the light of Faith
Serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts
By His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star
Sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men
From Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus
In lowly manger,
In all our trials
Born to be our Friend!
He knows our need,
To our weakness no stranger;
Behold your King!
Before the lowly bend!
Behold your King! your King!
Before Him bend.
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.
Sweet hymns of joy in
Grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us
Praise His holy name!
Christ is the Lord,
Oh praise His name forever,
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim
His pow'r and glory
Evermore proclaim.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
O Holy Night presents the birth of Christ as the turning point for a world burdened by sin, error, weariness, and oppression. The shining stars and glorious dawn frame Bethlehem as a scene of hope, while the command to fall on bended knees responds to the identity of the child as Lord and King. The wise men, the star, and the humble manger draw directly from the Gospel account of worship offered to Jesus.
The carol also looks beyond the nativity scene to the character and reign of Christ. He is portrayed as a friend who understands human weakness, a teacher whose law is love, and a liberator whose gospel brings peace. Its call for chains to break gives social consequence to the confession that every person is a neighbor and brother. The final lines gather these themes into grateful praise, proclaiming the lasting power and glory of Christ. Wonder at His birth therefore leads to worship, love of others, and hope for freedom.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-14 The angels announce the birth of the Savior and proclaim peace.
- Matthew 2:1-11 The wise men follow the star and bow before the child Jesus.
- Galatians 3:28 Life in Christ overcomes divisions between slave and free.