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 soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees, O 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 shall he break, for the slave is our brother
And in his name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we
Let all within us praise his Holy name
Christ is the Lord, Praise His name forever
His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim
His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices
O night divine! O night when Christ was born
O night, divine, o night divine
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Meaning & Inspiration
O Holy Night recounts the birth of Christ as the arrival of hope in a world burdened by sin. Its movement from darkness and weariness toward a glorious dawn gives the nativity both personal and universal significance. The command to fall on the knees turns the account into worship, while the declaration that Christ is Lord places reverence at the center of the carol.
The second verse connects the coming of Christ with love, peace, freedom, and the end of oppression. Luke 2:10-14 provides the clearest biblical setting, announcing the birth of the Savior and the praise of the heavenly host. Galatians 3:28 supports the songs affirmation of human kinship beyond social divisions, and Philippians 2:10-11 echoes its call for every knee to bow and every tongue to confess the lordship of Jesus. The carol therefore joins wonder at Bethlehem with a vision of reconciliation and grateful praise.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-14 The angels announce the birth of the Savior and proclaim glory to God and peace.
- Philippians 2:10-11 Every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord.
- Galatians 3:28 Paul describes unity in Christ across social divisions.