O Holy Night
A soaring French carol on the dignity of Christ's incarnation.
Download PDFA soaring French carol on the dignity of Christ's incarnation. Written by Placide Cappeau (trans. John Sullivan Dwight) (1847), set to the tune "Cantique de Noël" by Adolphe Adam.
Suggested pairing scripture
Luke 2:11
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Read Luke 2:11 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "O Holy Night." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing on Good Friday, during Holy Week reflections, and at the Lord's Supper as the congregation contemplates the cross.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
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, O holy night, O night divine!
Stanza 2
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! O praise His name forever! His power and glory evermore proclaim! His power and glory evermore proclaim!
History & Background
French wine merchant Placide Cappeau wrote the poem 'Minuit, chrétiens' in 1847 at the request of his parish priest. Composer Adolphe Adam set it to music within weeks. American Unitarian minister John Sullivan Dwight produced the familiar English translation in 1855.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Luke 2:11
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."Read in context
Isaiah 9:6
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
What language was O Holy Night originally written in?
It was written in French in 1847 as 'Minuit, chrétiens' (literally 'Midnight, Christians'). The English version most often sung today is John Sullivan Dwight's 1855 translation.
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "O Holy Night"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
- Plan this Sunday's serviceCall-to-worship verses and printable kits.Continue
- Sermon series with matching verse setsOutlines and printable packs.Continue
- Today's Bible verse (KJV)A fresh verse and short reflection each day.Continue