O Holy Night

I'm taking a break from listening to a combination of my kids playing and Holiday Pops, while speedily trying to finish a baby quilt, to pay tribute to my all time favorite Christmas song. Music for me has a way, more than anything else, of touching my spirit and my heart. And no other Christmas song sends shivers up my back, gives me goosebumps and makes me cry like "O Holy Night" - not just the actual music, but the words. I can't even read them without losing it just a little. The first verse is by far the most popular and well known, but I am forever in love with the following two versus - they are beyond beautiful! The words to this old carol were written in 1847 by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure as a Christmas poem for his parish priest. He then realised it was incomplete without music and he approached his friend, and a brilliant composer, Adolphe Charles Adams to compose the music.

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 Spirit 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, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The king of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, 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 he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful 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 ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Go find a really great solo version (someone who doesn't totally butcher it trying to sound too "pop star" - I recommend Josh Groban or Celine Dion), enjoy it and then have a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!! I love you all family and friends!!