Musical Advent Calendar - Day 9

Each day, from December 1 to December 25, I will post the text (and translation, if necessary) of an Advent- or Christmas-themed song, along with the URL for a YouTube video containing that song. (Select "Musical Advent Calendar" from the list of labels in the right sidebar to sort all of them out from the other posts on the blog.) You will note that each selection has a text, collectively representing the last 2000 years, and this is intentional. For the more familiar texts (such as popular Christmas carols), I have chosen a variety of interpretations and performers, from professional choirs to contemporary Christian worship leaders. I suggest that you follow the text as the music plays, and reflect on the words that proclaim the First Advent of our Savior, the Lord Jesus.

May our King, who promises to come again, reveal himself to you in a new way this Advent.

DECEMBER 9

The Second Sunday of Advent

O Holy Night

Text by John S. Dwight (19th century)

Hymn Tune: "Cantique de Noel" by Adolphe C. Adam (19th century)

Performed by Michael Crawford

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ln-p-bnh28

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 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, O hear the angel 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

Let all within us praise his Holy Name

Christ is the Lord! Thy name forever praise we

Noel, noel! O night, O night divine!

Noel, noel! O night, O holy night!