"O Holy Night" is a Christmas carol that was written in French in 1847 by Placide Cappeau, with music composed by Adolphe Adam. The song tells the story of the night of Jesus Christ's birth and the joy it brought to the world. The first verse describes the night when the dear Savior was born, shining brightly with stars. It emphasizes how the world had been filled with sin and error for a long time, until Jesus came and brought worth and value to the souls of people. The second verse speaks of the hope and joy that fills the weary soul, as a new and glorious morning breaks. It urges listeners to fall on their knees and listen to the voices of the angels. This signifies the divine and special nature of the night when Jesus was born. The third verse mentions how the wise men from the East were led by a guiding star to find the baby Jesus in a humble manger. It highlights the significance of Jesus, who is the King of Kings, being born in such a lowly setting. It also acknowledges that Jesus understands and meets the needs of people, and is not a stranger to their weaknesses. The fourth verse focuses on the teachings of Jesus, which emphasize love for one another and bring peace. It conveys the message that Jesus came to break the chains of oppression and bring freedom, considering all people as brothers and sisters. The hymns of joy and gratitude are sung to praise His holy name. The final verse affirms that Jesus is the Lord, and His power and glory should be proclaimed forever. It expresses the eternal nature of Christ's reign and the everlasting impact of His teachings. Harry Connick, Jr.'s rendition of "O Holy Night" maintains the traditional meaning and story of the song, capturing the reverence and beauty of the Christmas story.
