One of my favourite Christmas hymns is O Holy Night. This now timeless carol was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847, set to a poem named Cantique de Noël. I enjoy the straightforward gospel framework: problem/resolution/response, and I have a soft spot for well-turned phrases – of which there are many!
The opening stanza sets the scene. This is no ordinary evening: it is the evening of evenings for “It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth”, from which “breaks a new and glorious morn”! The problem is clear, “Long lay the world in sin and error pining.” But with the birth of a Saviour comes, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” Each chorus highlight’s a response to the resolution to our problem: the call to “Fall on your knees” (humble penitence); “Behold your King” (turn to the Saviour); and “Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we! His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!” (adoration and witness).
The third stanza was a favourite of 19th century abolitionists for it included the encouraging, “Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, And in his name all oppression shall cease.” In a day when we struggle so profoundly with race relations it is a helpful reminder that oppression will cease as we turn to the gospel of peace and its call of reconciliation; first with God, and subsequently with others. The “slave’s” chains are broken not fundamentally by political will, but by the realization he is my “brother”, a fellow image bearer of God.
The best of our Christmas carols are so familiar it is possible to enjoy their arrangements, and kindle fond Christmas sentiments, without properly reflecting on the glorious truths about which we sing! I encourage you to fully engage with our great traditional hymns this Christmas and thrill your soul in hope!
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;
Chorus
Fall on your knees, Oh 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 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;
Chorus
He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! your King! before him 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!
Chorus
Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory, evermore proclaim!
Much love,
Pastor Gary
