Author: ORIGINAL FRENCH TEXT: PLACIDE CAPPEAU (1808–1877), ALTERED TEXT: JIM SAYERS after JOHN SULLIVAN DWIGHT (1812–1893)
O HOLY NIGHT! THE STARS ARE BRIGHTLY SHINING;
it is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
till he appeared, our Redeemer on earth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
for see: there breaks a new and glorious dawn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
2 Led by his star, a light from heaven gleaming,
the wise men journey from far-distant land,
seeking a Saviour, who, the world redeeming,
pours out his grace as the Father has planned.
The King of kings who lay within a manger,
the reign of sin and death he comes to end.
He saves the lost, the outcast and the stranger:
behold your King, before him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before him lowly bend!
3 Led by his love, in loving one another,
we know the peace of our Father’s embrace;
once slaves to sin, now Christ becomes our brother
and ransomed lives are transformed by his grace.
A life of hope will overcome our sadness,
for all who trust in Jesus’ holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise his name with gladness!
O night divine, when saving grace was born.
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
Copyright: © 2022 JIM SAYERS