The history of the Christmas song O Holy Night is quite fascinating, and it all began in the small French town of Roquemaure in 1847. A local poet named Placide Cappeau was commissioned by his parish priest to write a poem for the Christmas Mass. Inspired by the Gospel of Luke, Cappeau penned the text for "Cantique de Noël" (which translates to "Song of Christmas" in English).
O Holy Night is also famous for being the first Christmas song ever played live over the radio. In 1906 Reginald Fessenden ( a former employee and lab technician for Thomas Edison) transmitted a short broadcast from the Brant Rock radio tower.
O Holy Night Lyrics and Words
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior'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 soul rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born Oh night divine Oh 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 Orient land The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger In all our trials born to be our friend
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
Listen
Listen to a preview of O Holy Night from Apple iTunes
