Matt says, "I’ve enjoyed this song for a long time. I’ve chosen this song because of the straight-forward message & emotional appeal about this special birth. I chose this version because I liked the harmonies of this trio and it’s not over orchestrated. I’ll apologize for anyone that watches the video rather than reading the lyrics. (I don’t know why watching an expressive singer is distracting for me, it’s the same if I watch John Mayer sing.) I’ve enjoyed many versions from Celine Dion to the King’s College Choir to Bing Crosby. Every version of the song builds and builds until the song requires a full-voiced expression of faith in the chorus. My personal preferences are the simple versions that allow the lyrics to stand on their own."
Matt continues, "I’ve only recently learned that the lyrics were written in 1843 by Placide Cappeau a French wine merchant & professed atheist (he could have fooled me). A Unitarian minister, John Sullivan Dwight, created the signing versions we are familiar with today. These are a few lines that inspire me and echo in my ears long after hearing the song:
- “till He appeared and the soul felt its worth” – I feel like that speaks to our souls being able to recognize their worth now that a Savior is born and we see a path to redemption. This line reminds me of a line in 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' that says 'the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.' The hopes of all angels, people that lived before Christ and all that would be born after were eagerly watching to see this Savior of our souls born and begin his earthly mission. Everything in the plan of salvation hinges on this babe of Bethlehem.
- “Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and his gospel is peace” – Even an atheist recognizes that the Savior taught peace and love. In John 13:34-35 Jesus says, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” It’s a beautiful commandment and great way to recognize fellow believers, if we love each other.
- “Let all within us praise His holy name” – I try to imagine giving everything within me to praising Him. This might be why I like the full-voiced praise “O Holy Night”. I would also assume that the multitude of heavenly hosts singing to the shepherds and praising God were feeling this and more (Luke 2:16-17)
- In other versions there is a second verse that has a line “He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger” that reminds me of so many references to how intimately he understands our struggles. Isaiah says “Surely he hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4). Alma tells us “he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and sicknesses of his people” (Alma 7:11). And in the Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph Smith learned that the Savior “descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth” (D&C 88:6).
"For those that have read the account of Nephi the night before Jesus’ birth in the Book or Mormon (3 Nephi 1), I can’t help but think about the relief of the believers when they saw the sign of the Savior’s birth. They must have felt the same joy even though they were far from Bethlehem."
Matt concludes, "Lastly, when I think about the night our kids’ were born, there is a special feeling (almost sacred) that made it significant. I feel like rejoicing that my kids were born (and I’m sure all parents feel the same) and how much more special is THIS birth. The Babe of Bethlehem is our Savior and King."
O Holy Night
Performed by Jillian Edwards, Ellie Holcomb & Rebecca Roubion
O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior'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
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine
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
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord.
O praise His Name forever
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine
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