Silent Night

Christmas Carol Lyrics

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,
Heavely hosts sing alleluia;
Christ the Saviour, is born!
Christ the Saviour, 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.

History Of This Carol

Silent Night is a peaceful and deeply beloved Christmas carol that has touched hearts around the world for more than two centuries. It was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small village of Oberndorf, Austria. The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, a young assistant priest, and the melody was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, a local schoolteacher and church organist. According to tradition, the church organ was not working that night, so the two created a simple arrangement for guitar and voices instead.

The carol's strength lies in its quiet simplicity. Its gentle melody and tender words invite listeners into the stillness of the Nativity scene, with images of a calm night sky, a sleeping infant, and a world waiting for hope. This serene atmosphere helped it spread quickly beyond Austria. By the mid 19th century it had been translated into multiple languages and sung in churches across Europe.

One of the most famous moments in the carol's history occurred during World War One. Soldiers on both sides of the front lines spontaneously sang Silent Night during the Christmas Truce of 1914. Its message of peace felt powerful enough to bridge the division of war, even if only for a short time.

Today, Silent Night remains a cherished part of Christmas services and celebrations. Choirs, families, and communities continue to share it each year. Its soft beauty carries the same sense of wonder that inspired its very first performance in a small Austrian chapel on a snowy Christmas Eve.

Choral Performance Video

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