O Holy Night

An old friend from college inspired this blog with her blog post.

Couple of days ago a friend from college posed the question to all of his face book friends "What is your favorite Christmas carol". I had to ponder that question for a while as there are so many that I love. Should I pick a secular song? Should I pick a religious one? I finally settled on "O Holy Night".

I picked it because of the memories it brings back. Many years ago the Christmas tradition was to travel to my Great-Grandparent's house (well, actually my Great Uncle's house but they lived there) for the extended family to gather. Now, for those not in the know (all 3 non-family members that read this blog) I come from a family of singers. Get more than 3 of us in a room and there's a good chance some singing will occur.

But I digress. I have memories of the whole family gathered in the family room. Grand Piano in one corner. Family scattered around the room. My great uncle would be posed at the piano (he taught voice for many years in Plano, Texas). Throughout the evening songs would be requested, songs would be played and sung. My great aunt, my grandmother, my mom and aunt, a couple of family friends, etc would surround the piano and sing. One song that was usually requested by GrandDaddy (my great grandfather) would be O Holy Night.

I can still hear the voices joining together in song:
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Now they have passed on and new traditions are being born.


Here's a new group I've discovered and enjoy singing it: