One of my favourite hymns is O Holy Night. Reading around O Holy Night we learn that it is a
“…well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem “Minuit, chrétiens” (Midnight, Christians) written by wine merchant and poet Placide Cappeau (1808–1877).
In both the French original and the English version of the carol, as well as in many other languages, the text reflects on the birth of Jesus as humanity’s redemption”.
It begins like this,
“O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.”
In the Word of God, ‘holy’ means to be set apart. Was there ever a night like this, set apart as the night of Jesus’ birth, the day that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Luke 2.8, John 1.14)?
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining. ’Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.”
As a result of the fall in Genesis 3, the world was in sin and error, but the birth of Jesus offered a way for the world and everything and everyone in it to be restored to how things should be, to be restored to right relationship with God (Genesis 3.15b, Romans 8.22, John 3.16).
“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night divine!”
The Word tells us that one day every knee will bow at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2.10-11). One day we will be confronted with the reality to which our faith and hope and trust are anchored, and we will bow before the Lord and hear the angels worshiping Him forevermore (Revelation 5.11-14).
“Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we; His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim!”
Enjoy this Christmas hymn today as we prepare to celebrate and commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour on that holy night!
James Travis 