Lyrics
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
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
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 "
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Meaning & Inspiration
Silent Night contemplates the birth of Christ through scenes of stillness, light, and reverence. The first verse centers on Mary and the infant Jesus resting in peace, while the second opens the scene to shepherds, heavenly glory, and the announcement that the Savior has been born. Its calm imagery does not make the event seem small; instead, the quiet setting surrounds a declaration of immense significance.
The final verse identifies the child as the Son of God and connects his birth with love, light, and redeeming grace. Those images align closely with the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth. Luke describes shepherds receiving the angelic announcement and hearing the heavenly host praise God, while John presents the incarnate Word as full of grace and truth. The carol therefore holds tenderness and proclamation together: a sleeping infant is honored as Christ the Savior and Lord, and the peaceful night becomes the setting for divine glory.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-14 Angels announce the Savior’s birth to shepherds and praise God, matching the second verse.
- Luke 2:16 The shepherds find Mary, Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.
- John 1:14 John connects the incarnate Son with divine glory, grace, and truth.