O Holy Night

The Christmas season is not complete until I hear some version of this carol. The words paint a picture of a starry night blanketing a labored and oppressed world, into which the Divine is inserted (Emmanuel - God with us) causing a ripple of hope; a worshipful response; and a call to our better and intended selves. The music soars, and the best voices soar with it in clear, unwavering tones.

The original poem was written by Placide Cappeau in 1847, and called Cantique de Noёl, or Minuit, Chretiens (Midnight, Christians). Cappeau was a wine merchant in Roquemaure, France, who wrote poems for a hobby. The local parish priest asked him to compose a poem for Christmas. Cappeau wrote the poem on a business trip to Paris; while in Paris he took the poem to composer Adolphe-Charles Adam (a friend of friends). Adam was a successful composer, having written Giselle in 1841 and many other stage works. Adam obliged, and the song was performed at midnight mass on Christmas Eve in Roquemaure in 1847.

Sheet Music for "Cantique de Noel," written by Adolphe Adam.
Cited by Douglas D. Anderson.

The version we are most familiar with was translated in 1855 by an American Unitarian minister and music critic/journalist, the Reverend John Sullivan Dwight. Both Cappeau and Dwight were anti-slavery, and Dwight’s English translation clearly reflects this:

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.

With those noble thoughts in mind, seek the Divine, enjoy the people and blessings in your life, and have a Merry Christmas!