From the Friars: O Holy Night

There is something unique and powerful about sacred Christmas music. One hymn in particular, O Holy Night, has always touched me deeply. The lyrics were written as a poem in French in 1843 and set to music by a French composer in 1847. I recall my father and grandfather singing it in French when I was young. It was their favorite also. For myself, the English and Spanish translations have both been a source of great joy and wonder.

I believe the music and lyrics of O Holy Night are divinely inspired, like many other Christmas Carols. They are like gifts that God gives us to draw us to Himself, especially to the manger in Bethlehem. “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” We find our value and dignity in the newborn Divine Child. We are made in His image and likeness and are adopted children of Our Heavenly Father in Him. “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.”

Growing up, my Irish mother’s side of the family always had a Christmas family reunion in Lapeer, Michigan where she was from. The 50 or so of us would all gather around the piano and sing Christmas Carols. Once again, O Holy Night was the favorite. At the words “fall on your knees,” we would all do just that. Everyone was singing at the top of their lungs, some with a little help from Stroh’s Beer or Bailey’s Irish Cream.

When the shepherds heard the choir of angels singing, I imagine that they fell on their knees as they heard the tidings of great joy for all people. “O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.” It is the night that Spanish speaking people call La Noche Buena, the good night. It is indeed the good and holy night.

May our lives reflect this beauty, peace, joy and hope to a very weary world. Merry Christmas!

–Fr. Peter