Wednesday, December 12, 2012

O Holy Night - Cantique de Noël

Did you know that the carol O Holy Night was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau (1808–1877)? Cappeau, a wine merchant and poet, had been asked by a parish priest to write a Christmas poem. Below is the poem's english translation. This is what my heart loves about this poem and song:


  • Picturing the entire world thrilled with the hope of Jesus
  • The ardent light (or intense devotion) of my faith reminding me of Jesus so that just as the shepherds and kings where drawn to Christ by the star, may my faith always guide me back to Christ
  • Jesus has broken every bond...the earth is free and heaven is open! *chills*
  • Stand up and sing of our deliverence
 Cantique de Noël
Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour, When God as man descended unto us
To erase the stain of 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 broken every bond: 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!

I'll probably have another Coffee & Cozy just on the song just because it's moving in a whole unique way all it's own. Here's a link to Celine Dion singing O Holy Night