Thursday Hymn Reflection: O Holy Night

[Each Thursday, we “reflect” on a hymn suggested by our readers. If you would like us to add your favorites to our list, leave a comment with up to three songs and we’ll reflect on them in the future.]

Written in 1847 in France, “O Holy Night” is a song that is usually associated with the season around Christmas, since the lyrics focus on the birth of Jesus. However, if we are going to think about the entire life of Christ, we need to sing this song throughout the year.

The original poem has lyrics that are very deep and theological. Here are the words of the final verse in the original poem:

Over the years, the song was simplified a bit and the most common way to sing the song is to sing two verses, though most song books have three. A minister, John Sullivan Dwight, wrote the lyrics we most commonly sing.

When I sing this song, I am drawn by one line: “Fall on your knees.” Partially because of the music, and partially because of the thought of full praise of Jesus, I love that line.

Some think we should never sing about Christ’s birth, focusing instead on the cross and resurrection. While that should be our focus, the entire life and work of Jesus should always be on our mind.

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Enjoy Martina McBride singing one verse of the song acapella: