So here is the translation, in more of its original glory (and with which I am ardently in love):
Midnight, Christians is the solemn hour
When God as Man descended unto us
To erase the original stain (sin)
And end the wrath of his Father.
The entire world trembles with expectation
In this night that gives to us a Savior.
Fall on your knees, await your deliverance.
Noel, Noel, here is the Redeemer,
Noel, Noel, here is the Redeemer!
The ardent light of our Faith,
Guides us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Conducted the Magi there from the orient.
The King of kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur,
It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
The redeemer has broken every shackle
The earth is free, and heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was once only a slave
Those who had been chained together by iron, love now unites.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude
It is for every one of us that he was born, suffered and died.
Stand on your feet, sing of your deliverance.
Noel, Noel, sing of the Redeemer,
Noel, Noel, sing of the Redeemer!
*It also turns out that this song was likely the very first music to be broadcast on radio. To read more about it, check out the following link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Holy_Night
7 comments:
That is stunningly beautiful. I love that song even more now. Thanks for sharing.
That is truly a lovely translation. It is sad that it has been so changed. Thank you. Love ya!
WOW. Those really are amazing words. Much better than our popular translation!!
Just have to say I love the picture with calab playing guess who! That is so cute. And I am impressed with how clean your house was. I wish mine looked like that even once in a while. Hope your having a great Christmas.
The song doesn't rhyme......how very interesting. Its a nice song though. :)
Thanks for posting the literal translation, it is very powerful. It helps knowing the original meaning when I will be singing it in church on Sunday! (Aaah!) It makes the song a lot more meaningful.
I think if this had been translated more accurately it would not be overplayed on the radio every Christmas season. That is, every single pop artist ever wouldn't have his/her own irreverent version of such a powerful bunch of words.
-Sherry (signed in under Kathleen's account because I'm on their computer)
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