Stille Nacht
Kinderkoor Spring Lyrics

The song Stille Nacht, translated to "Silent Night" is a Christmas carol that is originally from Austria where it was written by Franz Xaver Gruber, a schoolmaster, and Father Joseph Mohr, a priest, in 1818. The opening line of the lyrics "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" is German for "Silent Night, Holy Night."

The first verse of the song refers to the long-awaited son of David, who shall save millions and was born in the stable of Bethlehem. Here, the lyrics express the image of the birth of Jesus Christ being a symbol of hope for mankind. The second verse speaks of the helplessness of the baby and emphasizes the divine love that is extended to sinners. The lyrics mention that despite being the Lord, Jesus was born in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes, which shows a humble entry to the world. The last verse tells us that the birth of Jesus brings peace and salvation to a world lost in sin, and that God's promise to humanity is fulfilled through the birth of the baby.

One interesting fact about the song is that it was originally written for a guitar accompaniment as the church organ was dysfunctional at that time. Another fascinating point is that Silent Night has been translated into over 300 different languages around the world. Furthermore, during World War I, the carol was sung by opposing troupes who had declared an unofficial truce in retaliation of Christmas, which showed a rare moment of unity amidst war. Additionally, the song was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011.

The chords for the song Stille Nacht are as follows: G - D - G - D - G - Em - C - G. The song has a gentle and melodic tune that is perfect for the holiday season.