Day Six: O Holy Night

The beloved Christmas hymn “O Holy Night” powerfully captures the theological significance of Jesus’ birth. Initially a French poem titled “Cantique de Noël,” written in 1847 by Placide Cappeau, the lyrics reflect on the immense joy and hope inspired by Christ’s coming to earth as foretold in Scripture. The hymn highlights Christ’s role as humanity’s Savior and the light breaking through spiritual darkness. 

The opening lines connect Jesus’ birth to Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 9:2, which foretells, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” As the hymn declares, “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth.” Christ’s birth fulfilled God’s promise of salvation.

The second verse points to the remarkable humility of the incarnation – that God would come to earth as a baby, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6, which calls the promised savior “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The song proclaims, “Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love, and His gospel is peace.” Christ embodied God’s love.

Awe at Christ’s glory shines through the climactic third verse, reflecting Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” The song echoes this passage in the lines, “O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night, O holy night, O night divine!”

As we celebrate Christmas, may the truths in “O Holy Night” fill us with joy and gratitude that Jesus came as our long-awaited savior, the incarnation of God’s amazing love and Light of the world, to redeem us.