Day 12: Thrills of Hope

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 divine, O night, O night Divine.

These lyrics are an American English interpretation of a french poem written in the mid-1800s. I want to share a literal translation of the poem from the original language. I love the words we sing. They are eloquent for sure. But there is intensity and urgency from the original poem that seems to have gotten lost in our interpretation.

The entire world thrills with hope

On this night that gives it a Savior

People, kneel down, await your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

I learned recently that the origins of the word noel mean “to be born.” So, one could translate the original text to,

Born, born, here is the Redeemer,

Born, born, here is the Redeemer!

A little different, right? This post isn’t to argue about language and translation versus interpretation. Although, I do love a good nerdy, wordy conversation. I just wanted to emphasize the urgency the original message embodies.

I love celebrating and singing about the birth of Christ in beautiful, familiar ways. But there is something to be said for remembering why he was born and our need for a savior. Our Redeemer was born. Our Savior walked and talked among us. Thrill in hope, friends, our deliverer has come!

Original Poem, Cantique de Noël by Placide Cappeau, 1843

Composer, Adolphe Adam, 1847 

American English Interpretation, O Holy Night, by John Dwight, 1855

___________________________________________________________________________________________________