O Holy Night

Adolphe Adam composed O Holy Night in 1847 to the French poem Midnight Christians written by a wine merchant and poet, Placide Cappeau.

In a small town in southern France at the end of the year 1843, the church organ had been recently renovated, so, to celebrate the special event, the parish priest asked Cappeau to write a Christmas poem. Cappeau obliged, even though he was a professed anticlerical and atheist.

Shortly thereafter, Adam wrote the music. The song premiered in Roquemaure in 1847 by the opera singer Emily Laurey.

John Sullivan Dwight, a unitarian minister, created a singing addition based on Cappeau's French text in 1855. In both the original French poem and the two English versions of the carol, the text reflects on the birth of Jesus and of humanity's redemption.

I really enjoyed the literal English translation from the original carol. Sorry about the funny column, I've been having a deal of trouble getting copied songs to do what I want them to do. :-/

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!

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This is the most common translation.

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 appeared 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, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy 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 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 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 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 pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!