Silent Night
The hushed Austrian Christmas carol of the Holy Family on the night of Christ's birth.
Download PDFThe hushed Austrian Christmas carol of the Holy Family on the night of Christ's birth. Written by Joseph Mohr (1818), set to the tune "Stille Nacht" by Franz Xaver Gruber.
Suggested pairing scripture
Luke 2:7
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
Read Luke 2:7 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Silent Night." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing at funerals, memorial services, hospital visits, and any time the congregation needs the consolation of God's presence.
Lyrics
Stanza 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.
Stanza 2
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.
Stanza 3
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.
History & Background
Joseph Mohr wrote the German poem 'Stille Nacht' in 1816. On Christmas Eve 1818, organist Franz Gruber composed the tune in a few hours so it could be sung with guitar at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. It was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2011.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Luke 2:7
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."Read in context
Luke 2:13-14
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Silent Night?
The German lyrics were written by Catholic priest Joseph Mohr in 1816, and the melody was composed by his friend Franz Xaver Gruber on Christmas Eve 1818.
Why was Silent Night written for guitar?
Tradition says the church organ at St. Nicholas in Oberndorf was broken, so Gruber wrote the tune for guitar accompaniment so it could be sung at midnight Mass.
Related Hymns
Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Silent Night.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Silent Night
Joseph Mohr • 1818
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Psalm 96:1-3 — Meaning & Devotional
Worship & Praise
2 Samuel 22:47 Commentary
In-depth study • Praise & Worship
Psalm 92:1-2 Commentary
In-depth study • Praise & Worship
Psalm 103:1 — Meaning & Devotional
Praise & Worship
Where to go next
Enjoyed "Silent 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