Silent Night

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 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 "

The origin of the Christmas carol we know as Silent Night was a poem that was written in 1816 by an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf it is reputed that the organ at St. Nicholas Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the poem of Silent Night (Stille Nacht) to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was therefore intended for a guitar and the simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass. Silent Night is the most famous Christmas carol of all time!

I changed the song playlist on Sofia’s blog for the month of December to a Christmas song I thought was most fitting.  I love most Christmas songs and sing them every year, but one that I often find myself singing (and annoying Tim with my loud high-pitched solo) is Silent Night.  I’ve always liked singing this song.  I started singing it last night when getting ready for bed.  I think it’s a suitable song because this year the silent nights will be the most noticeable for us.  What we wouldn’t give to be up all night dealing with a screaming, crying baby!  We’re supposed to be in the midst of sleepless nights.  Instead they are Silent Nights. Our angel is a holy infant, tender and mild.  While we sleep, she is in heavenly peace.

Happy holidays, Sofia!  We love you.