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O Holy Night
by Adolphe Adam
Adolphe Adam -1856 -sized.JPG
Adolphe Adam
Native name Minuit, chrétiens
Genre Classical, Christmas
Text Placide Cappeau
Language French, English
Meter 11.10.11.10.11.10.11.10.10
Composed 1847 (1847)

"O Holy Night" is a Christmas oriented song. It was created to celebrate the renovation of the church organ in the town of Roquemaure, France.

Placide Cappeau, a French wine merchant and poet, wrote a poem in 1843. He called it Minuit, chrétiens ("Midnight, Christians").

The poem reflects the birth of Jesus and tells about the redemption of mankind. The music was made by Adolphe Adam around 1847.

Notable singers of the song include, although are not limited to, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and others.

Lyrics

Placide Cappeau's Cantique de Noël Literal English translation John Sullivan Dwight's version

Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle,
Où l'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous
Pour effacer la tache originelle
Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux.
Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance
En cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur.

   Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance.
   Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur,
   Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur!

De notre foi que la lumière ardente
Nous guide tous au berceau de l'Enfant,
Comme autrefois une étoile brillante
Y conduisit les chefs de l'Orient.
Le Roi des rois naît dans une humble crèche
Puissants du jour, fiers de votre grandeur,

   A votre orgueil, c'est de là que Dieu prêche.
   Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.
   Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.

Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave
La terre est libre, et le ciel est ouvert.
Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave,
L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer.
Qui lui dira notre reconnaissance,
C'est pour nous tous qu'il naît, qu'il souffre et meurt.

   Peuple debout! Chante ta délivrance,
   Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur,
   Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur!

Midnight, Christians, is the solemn hour,
When God as man descended unto us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Saviour.

   People, kneel down, await your deliverance.
   Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
   Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

May the ardent light of our Faith
Guide us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Guided the Oriental kings there.
The King of Kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,

   It is to your pride that God preaches.
   Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
   Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has broken every bond
The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
Love unites those whom iron had chained.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.

   People, stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
   Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
   Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appear'd 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 come 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, to our weaknesses 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 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.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: O Holy Night para niños

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