Stille Nacht
Rochester Pops Orchestra & Erich Kunzel Lyrics

The lyrics of "Stille Nacht" convey the serene and holy atmosphere of the silent night when Jesus was born. The opening lines, "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Alles schläft einsam wacht," evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, with everything sleeping except for the intimate and sacred couple, Mary and Joseph. The mention of the "Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar," or "holy child with curly hair," reflects the tender and innocent image of baby Jesus sleeping peacefully in heavenly rest.

The second verse speaks of the shepherds being the first to hear of the birth of Jesus through the angels' proclamation of "Hallelujah" resounding near and far. This momentous occasion is acknowledged with the declaration, "Christ, der Retter ist da," emphasizing the arrival of the Savior. The repetition of the phrase "Christ, der Retter ist da!" further emphasizes the joy and significance of Jesus' arrival on earth as a symbol of hope and salvation for humanity.

In the third verse of the song, the focus shifts to the divine nature of Jesus as the Son of God, portrayed with love emanating from his divine mouth. The line "Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund,'" or "here the hour of salvation strikes for us," emphasizes the profound impact of Jesus' birth as the moment when redemption and hope dawned for mankind. The final lines, "Christ, in deiner Geburt!" emphasize the centrality of Christ's birth as a pivotal event in human history and the source of light and salvation for all believers.

Overall, "Stille Nacht" captures the essence of the Christmas story, highlighting the peace, joy, and salvation brought by the birth of Jesus. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a holy and silent night when the world was forever changed by the arrival of the Savior. The song's message of hope, love, and divine grace resonates through each verse, inviting listeners to reflect on the profound significance of Christ's birth and the promise of salvation it represents.