Holy Night

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Luke 2:7



If I could only sing one song to celebrate Christmas I am almost certain the song Holy Night would be my pick. Its an amazing song that was written back in 1847 by Placide Chapeau, a one handed wine commissioner who was known for his ability to write poetry was asked by the local priest to write a Christmas poem. What makes this request even more interesting is that Chapeau was reported to be at the least agnostic and mot likely atheist. Chapeau began reading the Gospel of Luke for inspiration and most certainly he found it.

As Chapeau studied Luke’s account he imagined what it must have been like to witness the actual birth of Jesus Christ into this world. So moved by the sense of wonder around this miraculous birth Chapeau found himself engulfed with the sights and sounds as well as the emotions of those gathered to witness and worship the King he asked his friend, jewish composer Adolophe Charles Adams to put his writing to music and the rest is history. The song was first sung on a Christmas Eve mass in 1847.

At first the song was rejected by the church because of the two men responsible for its creation. A drinking atheist and a jewish composer. As moving as the song was it was banned throughout the church in France. It wasn’t until Christmas Eve around 1870 during the Franco-Prussian war that a French soldier stood looking out towards his German enemies and began to sing: “Oh Holy Night, the stars are brightly shinning, It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.” The German troops were so moved that they began to sing a Hymn back, giving way to a “ceasefire” that  was observed for the next 24 hours so as to honor Jesus Christ and his miraculous birth.

What an amazing testimony of this life changing event and the impact Jesus birth has had on the world. This song itself is proof as it has made its way around the world and is sung each year on every continent by almost every tribe and tongue. But not everyone in the world has heard or received the glorious news so like the song sings the chorus continues…


Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!
His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!


“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:10-11


I LOVE YOU!