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!
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
O Holy Night centers on the birth of Christ as the moment when a weary world receives hope. Its images of starlight, angelic voices, and worship at the manger place the carol within the nativity story. The call to fall on one’s knees presents Jesus not merely as an infant, but as the King and Lord worthy of praise. The song also holds together divine glory and human need, describing Christ as one who understands weakness and stands near in trial.
The final verse turns from the manger toward the life shaped by Christ’s teaching. Love, peace, freedom from oppression, and regard for another person as a brother become fitting responses to his coming. That emphasis closely echoes biblical accounts of good news announced at Jesus’ birth and the New Testament’s concern for unity in Christ. The repeated proclamation of Christ’s power and glory gives the carol a worshipful conclusion, moving from wonder at Bethlehem to enduring praise.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-11 The angels announce the birth of Christ as good news of great joy.
- Philippians 2:10-11 Every knee bows and acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord.
- Galatians 3:28 Life in Christ overcomes divisions between slave and free.