November 30: O Holy Night

First Week of Advent: Hope

November 30: O Holy Night/Minuit Chrétiens (French) - Links & Lyrics Below

In 1843, Roquemaure, France, the church organ was renovated. The priest asked a local wine merchant and writer of poems, Placide Cappeau, to write a poem to commemorate the occasion. He wrote, “Minuit, chrétiens! c'est l'heure solennelle,” which means “Midnight, Christians, is the solemn hour.” Of course, the reference is to mark the beginning of the day of birth of Jesus and the redemption of humanity.

The poem was put to music in 1847 by Adolphe Adam, "Cantique de Noël.” In 1885, H.P. Hanks adapted the translation as, “O Night Divine.” Then in 1855, John Sullivan Dwight wrote the English version, which became popular especially in the American north and with abolitionists of slavery.

It is a common Christmas carol, but the wide range makes it a challenging song for amateur singers. The high C-sharp raises goosebumps when sung well, and many greats have sung it, including Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and Lauren Daigle. Other notables are Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Gladys Knight, and Patti LaBelle. I like the Oak Ridge Boys’ version of it. For today’s devotion, we hear it in French.

The birth of Jesus is a day that has been and is recognized worldwide and throughout history as the day the world was saved. Those who opposed slavery recognized that we all comprise one humanity, and all are saved on this day. O Holy Night reflects the victory and the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Peter Mannoja

Tanum Forest Lutheran, Sturgeon Bay

Link to Spotify Playlist

Link to YouTube Playlist

 

Minuit, chrétiens, c’est l’heure solennelle
Où l’Homme-Dieu descendit jusqu’à nous,
Pour effacer la tache originelle,
Et de son Père arrêter le courroux.
Le monde entier tressaille d’espérance,
À cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur.
Peuple, à genoux, attends ta délivrance
Noël! Noël! Voici le Rédempteur!
Noël! Noël! Voici le Rédempteur!

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour
When God as man descended unto us
To expunge the stain of original sin
And to put an end to the wrath of his father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night which gives us a savior.
People, on your knees, await your deliverance!
Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!
Christmas! Christmas! Here is the Redeemer!