December 17, 2016 (Saturday)
Without a doubt, the song, “O Holy Night” is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever heard. How it came into being is quite interesting. In 1847, a parish priest in France asked one of his parishioners who was not much of a church man, to write a Christmas poem for a special worship service. The parishioner, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure, penned the poem in a coach on the way to Paris. He entitled it, “Cantique de Noel.” Later, he asked a musician, Adolphe Charles Adams, a Jew, to compose music to turn the poem into a song. The hymn was well-received and much beloved in the church. When it was discovered, however, that Cappeau favored Socialism and Adams was a Jew, the hymn was banned in the church. The people, however, had come to love it so much that they continued to sing it. Eventually, an American Unitarian minister translated it into English and introduced it to the United States. It was popular, especially in the North, during the Civil War. The song eventually took on a life of its own, free from any political ties, making its way into the hearts of millions.
Words by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure Music by Adolphe Charles Adams 1847 The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Oh hear the angel voices Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born Oh night divine Oh night divine Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming Truly He taught us to love one another |
