Lyrics
O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
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
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
O Holy Night places Christ's birth against a world marked by sin, weariness, and longing. The shining stars, the angel voices, and the call to kneel all direct attention to the holiness of the nativity. It is not only a quiet manger scene; the newborn King is announced as the source of hope and the friend who enters human trials.
The song then connects worship with love of neighbor. Christ's law is described as love, and His gospel as peace, while oppression and bondage are pictured as enemies of His kingdom. That theme echoes Luke 1:46-55, where Mary praises God who lifts the lowly. The final refrain returns to adoration, holding together the personal comfort of the Savior and the wider promise of peace.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:10-11 The angel announces the birth of the Savior as good news of great joy.
- Matthew 2:1-2 The wise men follow the star to the newborn King.
- Luke 1:52-53 Mary praises God who humbles the proud and lifts the lowly.