My Dear Husband remarked that the French lyrics of O Holy Night reveal some beautiful theological truths that are missing in the English version. He was kind enough to write them out for me so I can share them with you. Enjoy and be blessed!
| Traditional English | From the French |
|---|---|
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviors’ 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! O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! | Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour When he Man-God descended to us To erase the original stain And to stop the anger of His Father. The whole world trembles with hope At this night which gives it a Savior. People, on your knees! Wait for your deliverance. Noel! Noel! Here is the Redeemer. (2x) |
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, Now 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, our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! | May the burning light of our faith Guide us to the cradle of the Babe. As before a brilliant star Led there the chiefs of the East. The King of kings is born in a humble manger Though powerful in your day and proud of your own grandeur, To that pride, it is from that place that God preaches. Bow your foreheads before the Redeemer. (2x) |
Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim! | The Redeemer has broken every barrier; The earth is free and heaven is open. He sees a brother where there was only a slave. Love unites those whom iron enchained. Who will tell Him our thanks? It is for us that He is born, he suffers and dies. People, stand up! Sing of your deliverance! Noel! Noel! Sing to the Redeemer. (2x) |
3 comments:
Merry Christmas Roz!
Thanks, Roz, for sharing such beautiful lyrics. We are so familiar with the English version that we are unaware that there is another.
There is so much awe and wonderment captured in the French lyrics that can't help but invoke worship from our hearts for the Saviour who came for us. Blessed Christmas and a happy New Year!
I think that I like both, but it almost does not seem like the same song!
And thanks for your comment. Your humor made my day.
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