Song #17 - O Holy Night

Song #17

"O Holy Night"

Prepare to be transported back to the 80's. No, not for Wham's "Last Christmas" (although, admit it; the Christmas music season isn't really complete without this one, too.) What you are about to experience is a part of my childhood called PRISM. PRISM was a Christian music group with "hip" songs that were parent-approved in the Johnson household. We totally rocked out.

Growing up, we opened presents on Christmas Eve, but before the present-opening could commence, my brothers and I were always expected to do a "Christmas Program." (When I got older, my mom told me it was mainly to keep us kids occupied while she got the kitchen cleaned up. Thanks for ruining the magic, Mom.) In our younger, inexperienced years, our programs were simple things like a song or acting out the Nativity.

Away in a Manger

Original Johnson costumes supplied by the linen closet.

But our best Christmas program ever, in my humble opinion, was probably when we pulled off a choreographed song and dance to PRISM's version of O Holy Night, complete with a (fake) saxophone solo and Christmas-light adorned costumes. It. Was. Epic. Somehow the picture of this event has gone missing but when it re-emerges, you will be the first to know.

And so, outside of the traditionally sung Christmas Carol, a close second would be this rousing rendition, which I still have on cassette tape. No idea how to play it, as I haven't been in possession of a cassette tape player for years; but thankfully, someone on YouTube captured the song in all its glory. Please enjoy, and try not to picture me with braces and the neighbor's borrowed saxophone.

O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til 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 divine, O night, O night divine

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 power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine

O Holy Night - performed by PRISM *only on YouTube*