O Holy Night!
My favorite Christmas carol is “O Holy Night!” the work of one Adolph Adam who wrote the music in 1847 to correspond with the words of a poem – Minuit, Chrétiens (Midnight, Christians) – written by Placide Cappeau. Down through the years the song was translated to English and is believed to be the first tune played on the radio.
The carol’s majestic, somewhat hauntingly beautiful cadence is quickly recognized by listeners familiar with the tune. O Holy Night! penetrates my heart and quickly refocuses my wandering mind on the simplicity and wonder of the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of salvation and peace found only in Him.
There are any number of performances of the carol that I’ve heard through the years including, most recently, an 11-year old boy who sang the song this past Sunday at our church with piano accompaniment. This youngster hit all the notes, remembered all of the words, and stirred the hearts of listeners.
Celine Dion offers a wonderful solo performance of the carol, perhaps one of the most stirring by one performer. When it comes to multiple voices being raised up, I think that the Celtic Woman performance at the Helix Center in Dublin is one of the finest. And it is that performance I offer to you here for your listening enjoyment.
Finally, but certainly not the last comment you’ll read on Word Journey, I want to thank all of my readers who have stopped by here during 2009. Merry Christmas and a blessed new year – may God draw you closer to Himself as you reflect on the wonder of his incarnation, an event that shifted history and later led to our redemption being made possible.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 | KJV)
Photo: Alexander Kalina
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Matt,
Thank you for this beautiful music. O Holy Night is one of my favorites also.
May the Lord richly bless you and your family at Christmastime and throughout the coming year.
.-= Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..Scripture for Christmas Eve =-.
Thanks for sharing this song, Matt. It is a very moving performance of a very meaningful song.
.-= LD Jackson´s last blog ..Congress’ song and dance on health care =-.
Agreed! I never tire of listening to it. Merry Christmas to you and yours too.
There is something about Christmas carols which stir the soul, Lillie. A deep penetration of the heart I would say.
I love the Celtic Women! This is incredible. It was even more special because I somehow lost my Christmas Music CD in the move and so this made today all that more special. Thanks!
Merry Christmas and my God bless you, your family and your work in 2010.
I’m looking forward to writing some more articles for Word Journey in 2010.
.-= Dominique´s last blog ..a change in DIRECTION… =-.
I’m glad to have reconnected you to Celtic Woman, Dominique. Merry Christmas and a blessed 2010 to you and yours. I’ll touch base with you in January regarding some new articles for WordJourney.