Lyrics
Verse 1
O Holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Verse 2
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining
Till He appeared
And the soul felt its worth
Pre Chorus 1
A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn
Chorus 1
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Post Chorus
Oh night divine
Oh night
Oh night divine
Verse 3
Truly He taught us
To love one another
His law is love
And His gospel is peace
Verse 4
Chains shall He break
For the slave is our brother
And in His Name
All oppression shall cease
Pre Chorus 2
Sweet hymns of joy
In grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us
Praise His Holy Name
Chorus
Christ is the Lord
Oh praise His Name forever
His power and glory
Evermore proclaim
Post Chorus
His power and glory
Evermore proclaim
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
O Holy Night celebrates the birth of Christ as the arrival of hope in a world burdened by sin and weariness. Images of shining stars, angelic voices, and a glorious dawn frame the nativity as a moment that calls for reverence. The command to fall on the knees turns wonder into worship, while the repeated declaration of the holy night keeps the identity of Christ at the center.
The song then moves from the manger to the moral reach of the gospel. Love, peace, human kinship, and the end of oppression are presented as fitting consequences of allegiance to Christ. Luke 2:10–14 closely supports the nativity setting through its announcement of the Savior and the angels praise of God and peace. Isaiah 9:6–7 also joins the promised child with an enduring reign of justice and peace. The closing call to proclaim the power and glory of Christ gives the carol a doxological conclusion, answering hope with grateful praise.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-14 Angels announce the birth of the Savior and proclaim glory and peace.
- Isaiah 9:6-7 The promised child reigns with justice and peace.