O Holy Night

The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Mattia Preti, c. 1660-99. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Mattia Preti, c. 1660-99. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

O holy night! the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s 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!
Fall on your knees!
O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Adoration of the Magi, by Rogier van der Weyden, c. 1455. Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
Adoration of the Magi, by Rogier van der Weyden, c. 1455. Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany.

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 Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend.
He knows our need– to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before him lowly bend! 

Madonna and Child Enthroned, c. 1250-75. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., United States. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
Madonna and Child Enthroned, c. 1250-75. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., United States.

Truly he taught us to love one another;
His law is love and his gospel is peace.
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise his name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!

This is the sixth part of a twelve-part series illustrating classic Christmas carols with classic religious for the twelve days of Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Karina Tabone

Karina Tabone is a wife, mother of four, author, blogger, and lover of Christian artwork. She's the author of the Illustrated Rosary series, which pairs every prayer of the Rosary with beautiful religious artwork. She likes also milkshakes, sunshine, and mystery novels. Follow her on Twitter at @illustr_prayer.

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