One of my favorite Christmas carols is “O, Holy Night”. I
can still see my dad standing in our living room singing this song while I
one-fingered the music on a miniature organ and sang the harmony.
“O, Holy Night” has an interesting origin and history. In France, a priest asked Placide Cappeau, a wine merchant and amateur poet, to write a Christmas poem. Inspired by the Gospel of Luke, Cappeau wrote the words during a stagecoach ride, focusing on Jesus's birth and the liberation from sin that He brought us.
Cappeau then asked his friend, a composer named Adolphe Adam, to write the music. The song debuted at Christmas Eve mass in 1847.
When it was discovered that the composer was Jewish, the French Catholic Church banned the song for a time, but French citizens loved it and sang it in secret. Eventually, “O, Holy Night” was introduced to America.
Besides reminding me of happy times with my dad, “O, Holy Night” brings such reverence to the celebration of Christmas. It is a beautiful reminder of why we can be joyful! For not only does it tell the story of Jesus’ humble beginnings, the song shares the hope His birth brings to all of us! Jesus’ came to purchase forgiveness for our sins and errors. (1 Timothy 1:15) And He came to be our friend, knowing our needs, our trials, our weariness. (John 15:13-15)
So, while “Santa Baby” and “Jingle Bells” are fun songs I sing along with at Christmas, “O, Holy Night” is the one that speaks truth to my heart and brings joy to my soul. What’s your favorite Christmas song?
Be encouraged!
