“O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, it is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.”
For many years our extended family would gather around the Christmas tree as my mother-in-law blessed us by singing those words from a familiar carol. But is this carol really that familiar?
The historical “back-story” to this carol’s origins is not only fascinating, but also reveals what makes THIS night so holy.
The original lyrics were written in 1847 as a poem by a French wine merchant, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure, entitled “Midnight, Christians.” Cappeau was asked by the parish priest to write a Christmas poem to commemorate the installation of a renovated church organ. Amazingly, he agreed, even though he was a self-professed anticlerical and atheist!
Frankly, the words of his original poem are much more insightful and powerful than the English rendition normally sung at Christmas.
Midnight, Christians, it 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 Savior.
People kneel down, wait for 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!
Notice the key word? … Redeemer … What makes this night so holy? … God chose to become like us, to live among us, in order to redeem us! … to purchase our salvation and restore us to relationship with Him, our Creator. But at the price of His life … His shed blood.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” – Ephesians 1:7
“Worthy are You … for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” – Revelation 5:9
Shalom!
~ tr
OC Bereans 
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