Lyrics
Verse 1
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, All is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so Tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Verse 2
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!
Verse 3
Silent night, holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light!
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King!
Christ the Savior is here,
Jesus the Savior is here!
Verse 4
Silent night, Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at thy birth;
Jesus Lord at thy birth.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
This recording presents the well-loved Christmas carol, which paints the night of Jesus' birth as calm and bright. The first verse gazes at the Virgin Mother and the holy Infant, tender and mild, and prays for sleep in heavenly peace.
The second verse follows the Gospel of Luke, with shepherds trembling at the sight, glory streaming from heaven, and a host of angels singing alleluia. The announcement "Christ the Savior is born!" echoes the angel's message to the shepherds. The third verse invites the singer's voice to join the angels in praising the King.
The verse added here, which is not in every version, turns to the Son of God as love's pure light and to the dawn of redeeming grace. That wording links the birth to the purpose of salvation. The carol works equally well for church services, family singing and quiet listening.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:8-14 Shepherds see the glory of the Lord, and a host of angels praise God at the birth of Christ.
- Luke 2:11 The angel announces a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, born in the city of David.