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, o night when Christ was born;
O night divine, o night, o night divine!
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.
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!
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, o night when Christ was born;
O night divine, o night, o night divine!
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
O Holy Night reflects on the birth of Christ as the moment hope enters a world burdened by sin and weariness. The opening scene moves from the stars over Bethlehem to a call for worship, inviting a posture of reverence before the newborn Savior. Its contrast between long darkness and a glorious dawn presents the Nativity as good news with consequences for all creation.
The later verse connects Christ’s coming with love, peace, freedom, and the end of oppression. That emphasis is consistent with the Gospel account of angels announcing a Savior and proclaiming peace, as well as Jesus’ teaching that love identifies His followers. The repeated command to fall on one’s knees turns the carol from narration into adoration. By joining the humble circumstances of Christ’s birth with declarations of His lordship, the song holds together wonder, gratitude, justice, and praise in a classic Christmas confession.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-14 The angels announce the Savior’s birth and proclaim peace.
- John 13:34-35 Jesus commands His disciples to love one another.
- Isaiah 9:2 Isaiah pictures light dawning on people who walked in darkness.