Silent Night Holy Night
Many blogs, Instagram posts and devotions are filled with the fantastic story of the birth of Jesus. So why write something on this story AGAIN?
By now, if you are familiar with the WHY of my posts, you will recognize my vision is to explore the calling on your art. Does your personal story conflict with your art or do they embrace each other?
Also, do you think one needs intense training in a specific genre to impact the world?
Silent Night Holy is one such tale.
As we discover the stories behind a few Christmas Carols, I hope doors open to you on how God wants to reflect His Heart through your art.
The words look different
When you read literal translations from the original works, do you see something different from what you sing? 🤔
Poems reflect the period and location of the author and therefore might feel a bit strange. Look at the word for word translation of the first stanza. Does it look odd?
This is the first stanza of Silent Night in German
German text and literal English translation courtesy of the Stille Nacht Gesellschaft
Do we create to be known
This carol is considered one of the most widely known in the world.
The poet and music creator did not offer this carol for fame and fortune. Both men desired to use the creative gifts God had given to them and honor the Eternal Gift. See the reflection of God’s Heart through their art.
As you ponder the motives behind this work, consider the motives behind your art.
Silent Night Holy Night Story beginning
On December 23, 1818, Father Morh enjoyed the story of Christ’s birth performed by traveling actors. Greatly affected by the play, Father Mohr decided not to go home. While contemplating upon the wonder of God’s beautiful gift to humanity, Mohr took a longer route home which led him to a hilltop overlooking the little village of Oberndorf. As Mohr took in this uncomplicated scene, he recalled a poem he wrote two years before. Silent Night Holy Night. is the poem.
(Do you give yourself permission to engage in God’s presence? If so, do you respond artistically?)
A deep desire led Father Mohr to share this poem with his congregation on the Christmas Eve Service, but that was the next day. With no music available, could he share this gift? Was Father Mohr’s dream to be put on hold till next year so space for music could be constructed and played on the organ?
NO!!!
On the following day, Father Mohr took the poem to his friend Franz Xaver Gruber, the church organist . With only hours before the Midnight service, Gruber created a sweet melody for guitar. Silent Night Holy Night was introduced that evening. As Mohr played the quitar, he and Gruber sang the song.
Silent Night Holy Night Journey
Silent Night Holy Night journeyed throughout Northern Europe where many enjoyed this simple carol of Jesus birth. In 1834, it was performed for King Frederick William IV of Prussia.
As you see, the first verse is quite different compared to what we know today. Where does this present carol come from? In 1859, Carols for Christmas Tide (New York: Daniel Dana, Jr.) published the Silent Night Holy Night we sing. John Freeman Young translated the words to English.
Why do we look at stories?
Stories behind these great musical pieces carried through the centuries are important, but why? Is there something fascinating about the stories themselves? What is God saying through the art and artist as well as the message of the song?
Father Mohr and Frantz Gruber humbly said “YES” to being vessels in God’s Hands. With no desire to seek glory for themselves, their hearts were drawn to receive, reflect and respond to the gift that was being celebrated that night.
As you look at Silent Night, Holy Night and other Christmas Carols, slowly engage in the words. Be present first, then see the wonder, awe and worship expressed in and throughout.
Is God asking you to share His Heart through your art? If so, what is your response?
