O holy night!
[The text below is not by a Jubilate Group author but is included for convenience]
1 O holy night! the stars are brightly shining,
it is the night of our dear Saviour's 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 and hear the angel voices,
O night divine, O night when Christ was born.
2 Drawn by the light of faith serenely beaming,
with glowing hearts by his cradle we stand.
Led by the star, its light so sweetly gleaming,
here come the wise men from far distant land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
in all our trials, born to be our friend.
He knows our need, and guards us all from danger;
behold your King! Before the Christ child bend.
Placide Cappeau (1808-1877),
translated John S Dwight (1812-1893)
