O Holy Night – Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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
‘Til He appears 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, O Holy night, O night divine!

Explanation of Verse 1
The first verse sets the scene of a holy night with brightly shining stars, emblematizing the birth of the Savior. The imagery portrays a world  preliminarily burdened by sin and error, chancing  redemption as Jesus appears. The soul, feting  its worth,  gests  a”  exhilaration of stopgap.” The night is described as both new and  noble, signifying the transformative power of Christ’s birth.

[Verse 2]
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend

Explanation of Verse 2
The alternate verse continues the narrative, describing how individualities, guided by the light of faith, gather by the cradle of the invigorated Christ. The Wise Men from the Orient, following the star, arrive to pay homage to the King of lords who lies in a humble manger. The lyrics  punctuate the universality of the event, as people from different lands come together in acknowledgment.

[Verse 3]
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

Explanation of Verse 3
The third verse moves beyond the  literal narrative to convey the broader  training of Jesus. It emphasizes love, peace, and the breaking of chains, emblematizing freedom from oppression. The lyrics call for  joyous praise, feting  Christ as the Lord, and inviting eternal praise for His power and glory.