Cantique de Noel

"Glory to God in the highest heaven"

Luke 2:14

Truly, one of the best parts of the Christmas season is the music.  For the most part, they are songs I've been singing since I was a child, but every year I find myself singing a song I've sung a hundred times before, but hearing the lyrics in a whole new way.  This year, that "new" old song, is "O Holy Night". 

I was particularly struck by these particular lyrics: 

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.

"Sweet hymns of joy.... let all within us praise Him..."  Are you singing sweet hymns of joy?  Are you praising Him?

I went online today to look up the lyrics, so I could fully appreciate the wording, as the author intended, and what I found is that the version I am accustomed to, albeit beautiful in its own right, is not the original.

So I wanted to share with you the words of the original poet, Placide Cappeau (1808-1877)

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,

When God-man descended to us

To erase the stain of original sin

And to end the wrath of His Father.

The entire world thrills with hope

On this night that gives it a Savior.

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

May the ardent light of our Faith

Guide us all to the cradle of the infant,

As in ancient times a brilliant star

Guided the Oriental kings there.

The King of Kings was born in a humble manger;

O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,

It is to your pride that God preaches.

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle:

The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.

He sees a brother where there was only a slave,

Love unites those that iron had chained.

Who will tell Him of our gratitude,

For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.

People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,

Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

 Christmas is not just about the birth of a Baby, born in a manger in a stable.  It is the coming of the Savior, to redeem us from the penalty of our sins.  Sing!  Sing of your Redeemer!  Hallelujah!

~ Good news of great joy to all people!" ~

Luke 2:10