Lyrics Page
O Holy Night
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Sep 26, 2026 updated
The Manger - EP album
Verified editorial review
Song Meaning
Anne Wilson's version keeps the same Adolphe Adam melody and John Sullivan Dwight translation that countless other recordings have used, and the opening verse still does something unusual for a Christmas song by naming worth before relief: "long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'til he appeared and the soul felt its worth."
The second verse moves without transition from the manger to how people are supposed to treat each other — "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." A birth becomes, within a few lines, a claim about ending oppression.
Luke's account of the angels' announcement of good news of great joy, and Isaiah's promise of liberty proclaimed to captives, both sit behind the hymn's two central images — the "night divine" itself, and the chains it promises to break. Wilson's version doesn't change any of that inheritance; it just adds one more voice singing the same claim other recordings this cadence have already made from different angles.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
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 ever pining
'Til 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, o hear the angels' voices
O night divine, o night when Christ was born
O night divine, o night, o night divine
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
With all within, let us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!
His power and glory, evermore proclaim!
His power and glory, evermore proclaim!
O night divine, o night, o night divine
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born
O night divine, o night, o night divine