The first song ever played over a radio broadcast was a performance of O Holy Night on violin in 1906. Written by a French wine commissioner and put to music by a famous opera composer, it’s popularity in France led to translations into various languages. Our English version dates back to 1861.

Biblical themes infuse O Holy Night. Shepherds watch the skies on the night of Jesus’s birth. Our world suffers under the sin of Adam. The birth of Jesus underscores the overwhelming worth of our souls. God so loved the world—the souls of men and women—that he gave his only son. A proper response? The same as the shepherds—fall on our knees. A new and glorious day has appeared.

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 soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

In the third verse the author wrote of love, peace, and freedom. These lines fueled abolitionists in Europe and America, pointing out the need to break the chains of oppression and release the slaves in their midst. As you might guess, this song was much more popular in the Northern parts of the United States during the Civil War than in the South.

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.

Today we live in a weary world. Oppressions plagues many, be it poor health or mental anguish or loneliness or addiction. We all need hope. As this carol reminds us, that hope has arrived. Step out into a dark and quiet evening and look up at the stars. Ask the Lord to meet you there. Listen for echoes of that divine night, of angel’s voices, and feel the thrill of hope rise in your heart.

Luke 2:8-20

Photo by Klemen Vrankar