O Holy Night

Somehow I remained entirely ignorant of this beautiful carol for at least the first 20 years of my life. Is my memory faulty, or was it Classic FM that popularised it?

It's a song that belongs with "Handel's Messiah"; it's part of the musical demonstration of the reality of God's being and glory. Last year I downloaded the rendition by "Il Divo". It's no coincedence that I just looked up the carol on YouTube and the first comment was "I don't believe in God. This video makes me reconsider."

There is no real beauty in the universe? Just nature red in tooth and claw, struggling to exist? Just illusions, tricks played on us by genes trying to perpetuate their existence? Nothing more, nothing to wonder at? If you can listen to this sung well and doubt the reality, then the location of the problem is not out there in the universe. The fact that the lyrics were written by a wine-seller, and that the version I brought was produced by a godless man as a money-making venture only goes to prove the truth of what is sung. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim!

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 Spirit felt its worth.
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, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!