I’ve always loved O Holy Night as a song, but have always wished that the lyrics talked a little more about what Christ came to do. We decided to use it in our Christmas Production at Covenant Life this year, and so we asked Kevin Hartnett, our resident poet, if he would write a new verse or two. Here’s what he wrote. Below I’ve posted the original verse 1, and then Kevin’s additional two verses. You could use just one of them if you wanted, depending on your arrangement (that’s what we’re doing this year – having a soloist sing the original verse 1, and then Kevin’s next verse).
Verse One (Placide Cappeau, trans. John S. Dwight)
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Verse Two (Kevin Hartnett)
Humbly He lay, Creator come as creature,
Born on the floor of a hay-scattered stall.
True Son of God, yet bearing human feature,
He entered earth to reverse Adam’s fall.
In towering grace, He laid aside His glory,
And in our place, was sacrificed for sin.
Fall on your knees! O hear the gospel story!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Verse Three (Kevin Hartnett)
Come then to Him Who lies within the manger,
With joyful shepherds, proclaim Him as Lord.
Let not the Promised Son remain a stranger;
In reverent worship, make Christ your Adored.
Eternal life is theirs who will receive Him;
With grace and peace, their lives He will adorn.
Fall on your knees! Receive the Gift of heaven!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
This song is also posted at a permanent page.