O Holy Night
CANTIQUE DE NOËLIrregular
Words: Placide CappeauTranslated by John Sullivan Dwight, 1855Music: CANTIQUE DE NOËL, Adolphe Adam, 1847
Practice player: melody only, played by your browser. The intro is the closing line of the tune, as many churches play it. Melody and words transcribed from Carols Old and Carols New (1916), Carol 741, public domain.
Words
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 divine, O night, O 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 came the wise men from the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our friend;
He knows our need, He guardeth us from danger;
Behold your King! Before the Lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before the Lowly bend!
Scripture
The Bible passages this hymn draws on, in the King James Version.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Suggested for these Masses
- Mary, Mother of God Jan 1, 2027
- Epiphany of the Lord Jan 3, 2027
- Holy Family, Year A Dec 31, 2028
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- Good Christian Men, RejoiceGood Christian men, rejoice