O Holy Night

Carols of Christmas Past

O Holy Night 

(composed by Adolphe Adam)

In one corner of our living room the tree lights twinkle and the ornaments shimmer. Over in another corner sits my life-long friend—a piano. Since the age of three, the black and white keys have brought me much comfort and joy. Tonight is no different.

Home alone, a hush engulfs the room. I slip onto the bench and begin to play.

As my fingers dance across the keys to melodies of the season, O Holy Night makes its way into the worship repertoire. The composer’s soothing harp-like opening, followed by a majestic chorus unfolds the world’s most pivotal moment in history—the birth of the Christ child.

The ebb and flow of this artistic journey leads us ever so gently up to the highest pinnacle, like roller coaster thrill seekers are carried up to the final peak. Once we arrive, there’s a dramatic pause. With hearts racing, we brace ourselves for the lunge. Then it happens!

Fall on your knees, O hear, the angel voices. O night, divine. O night, when Christ was born…

The majestic “Fall” jolts the soul. Not only does the composer send us over the musical ledge with an abrupt dynamic change, but he does it flawlessly while simultaneously moving from a major key to a minor key in one beat. What an exhilarating, worship-filled experience the composer invites us into. The composition begs the worshipper to act—to bow the heart before the Christ Child, the Savior of the world.

It was truly a holy night—a night of wonder and great joy, all prepared by the Father even before time began. All of creation must have exhaled with relief as our Savior inhaled His first breath. The Messiah’s very first cry signaled the angelic host to announce that God’s Promise of salvation had arrived in the fullness of time. What a moment. What a night. What else could one do but fall on their knees?

Scripture Reading

Psalm 8; Luke 2: 8-20; Galatians 4:4-5 

Prepare Him Room

Carve out some sacred time to go outside and sit under the stars. Gaze into the brilliant night sky. Listen to Point of Grace’s arrangement of O Holy Night. Try to imagine what the shepherd’s must have felt as the Star paused over their fields and flocks while the angel proclaimed God’s birth announcement to them. Worship under the stars. Praise God for that holy night, for the gift of His long-awaited Promise—salvation for all who will receive.