O Holy Night
This song that was not originally a song at all, has become a staple in the line up for Christian Christmas Worship. Not only was this song not a song, it was also written by an atheist and put to music by a Jewish man. If you have ever heard O Holy NIght, this is shocking news. Oh and there’s even more to the story! Lean in…
First, this song was originally a poem- In a small town in France in 1847 a parish had recently renovated their organ and the priest asked a local poet, also a winemaker, Placide Cappeau, to pen a poem in celebration. The poem would be revealed on Christmas Eve at the church. Cappeau was an unbeliever, describing himself an atheist, but imagined himself there at the birth and read the gospel of Luke to prepare. Below is the original poem translated to English:
Literal Translation of "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians)
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 that 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!
Thinking this poem would be a wonderful song, Cappeau asked a composer, Adolphe Adam (a Jew), to put it to music. Adolphe obliged though he didn’t really believe this Jesus was the son of God and he certainly didn’t celebrate the day it was written for. The song debuted in 1847 by an opera singer and was widely loved after that.
Another amazing part of this story is that when it was found out this song was written by an atheist (who had renounced the church and became a Socialist) and put to music by a Jew, the Catholic Church renounced it and it was banned for around 20 years. The hymn was still loved and continued to spread in popularity.
The version we know was reworked some and translated by John Sullivan Dwight, a minister, in 1855. “An ardent abolitionist, Dwight strongly identified with the lines of the third verse: ‘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.’ The text supported Dwight's own view of slavery in the South. Published in his magazine, Dwight's English translation of ‘O Holy Night’ quickly found found favor in America, especially in the North during the Civil War.” (From "Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas")
John Sullivan Dwight's version
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.
Legend has it that on Christmas Eve 1871, in the midst of fierce fighting between the armies of Germany and France, during the Franco-Prussian War, a French soldier suddenly jumped out of his muddy trench. Both sides stared at the man. Boldly standing with no weapon in his hand or at his side, he lifted his eyes to the heavens and sang the beginning of O Holy Night.
After completing all three verses, a German infantryman climbed out his hiding place and answered with the beginning of Martin Luther's robust "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come." Fighting ceased for 24 hours.
Another amazing story about O Holy Night- in 1906, on Christmas Eve, Reginald Fessenden spoke the first words by a human over radio broadcast- the Gospel of Luke and then Fessenden played ‘O Holy Night’ on his violin.
Though this song had a unique beginning, the words within it are a testament to God using unlikely people in unlikely situations to grow His kingdom and shine His glory. There is a contrast in the holiness of this baby boy, come as king, to take the sins of the world and the humility of the situation- a dirty stable, an ordinary inn, a long uncomfortable journey for a young mother in pain… simplicity in the situation but what holiness and glory in the revealing of a savior!
It’s hard for me to believe that God couldn’t use anyone He desires to bring His word to life and to change the world. Truly, night divine.
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