HOPE 365 Toolbox - Advent Devotion, Week 4

Silent Night, Holy Night

By Deacon Dan Jackson

Our congregation sings this beautiful carol at the end of our Christmas Eve candlelight services. As we pass Christ’s light around and light up each candle, we softly sing Silent Night. Combined together, the song and candles create a wonderful presence of Christ’s spirit among us. We all feel blessed to be together as we all experience God’s gracious love.

Silent Night is an Austrian hymn which was written and composed by pastor Josef Mohr and church organist Franz Gruber, in the tiny alpine village of Oberndorf. The church organ wasn’t working and they needed a song for Christmas Eve. Both men put the words and music together, taught it to their little congregation, and sang it accompanied by a guitar. Little did they know that their Christmas Eve carol, first sung in 1818, would travel around the world and, some 200 hundred years later, is still sung in many languages, churches and denominations every Christmas Eve. It is truly a wonderful song which will still be sung by people and angels throughout all of Eternity!

Together, let’s say this prayer: Lord Jesus, Christmas is your birthday and we rejoice with the angels at your birth. You have changed our world forever and we feel blessed to be forgiven and loved by you. May we share your blessings with all who we encounter at this wonderful time. In your Holy name, we cheerfully pray. Amen

We hope you take a moment to enjoy this version of Silent Night (Stille Nacht) on YouTube. Click the photo to watch.

Performed by
Dresden Choir

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth