What are the lyrics of O Holy Night by Adolphe-Charles Adam?

“O Holy Night” begins: O holy night the stars are brightly shining!… Read the full lyrics on ChoirPDFs.

Who composed O Holy Night?

O Holy Night was composed by Adolphe-Charles Adam.

What language is O Holy Night sung in?

O Holy Night is sung in English.

O Holy Night by Adolphe-Charles Adam — Lyrics & Sheet Music (PDF)

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Added Jul 31, 2026

Composer: Adolphe-Charles Adam

Uploaded By: Choir PDFs

Format: Solfa

Language: English

Pages: 2 pages

O Holy Night by Adolphe-Charles Adam — Lyrics

VERSE 1 O holy night the stars are brightly shining! It is the night of the dear Saviors 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 REFRAIN 1 Fall on your knees! O hear the angels voices! O night divine O night when Christ was born! O night divine O night O night divine VERSE 2 Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand: So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here came the wise men from the Orient land. The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger In all our trials born to be our friend REFRAIN 2 He knows our need He guards us from all danger Behold your King Before Him lowly bend!

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About O Holy Night

"O Holy Night" is one of those carols that brings a hush over the congregation the moment the opening notes sound. Written by Adolphe Charles Adam with words by John Sullivan Dwight, it captures the profound stillness and sudden glory of the Incarnation. The verses walk us through the quiet anticipation of a world "in sin and error pining," leading us straight to the manger where the King of kings lies.

For a choir, the true power of this piece lies in its sweeping dynamic shifts. We start with a gentle, almost narrative tone, but as we reach the refrain—"Fall on your knees!"—the music demands everything we have. It is a call to absolute reverence. Singing this during a Christmas Eve Mass or a carol service is always a moving experience, as the soaring harmonies invite everyone present to lift up their voices and proclaim the night divine.