O Holy Night

I tried.  I tried.  I really tried.  When I sat down to arrange this piece I tried to keep it soft and delicate from start to finish.  I almost made it.  But then it just popped out there.  In my mind I heard the lyrics “Fall on your knees!  Oh, hear the angel voices!  O night divine, o night when Christ was born …”  and my heart just couldn't contain it.  John Sullivan Dwight’s English translation of this carol combined with the soaring music crafted by Adolphe Adam have made this one of the most beautiful, inspired pieces ever written.  

O Holy Night!  The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

’Til He appeared 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!  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,

Now 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 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 graceful chorus raise we,

With all our hearts we praise his holy name.

Christ is the Lord!  Then ever, ever praise we,

His power and glory evermore proclaim!

His power and glory evermore proclaim! 

Whatever your circumstance, wherever life takes you, here’s wishing you a hope-filled holiday season.   Merry Christmas!!!

Terri Hutchings · O Holy Night

Click HERE to download free sheet music