202 years ago, “Silent Night” was first heard by villagers attending Christmas Eve mass in St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. Joseph Mohr, the young priest who wrote the lyrics, played the guitar and sang along with Franz Gruber, the choir director who had written the melody.

How did this simple tune, with its quiet words of comfort, become a beloved hymn of peace throughout the whole world?

An organ builder and repairman working at the church took a copy of the six-verse song to his home village. There, it was picked up and spread by two families of traveling folk singers, who performed around northern Europe.

The composition evolved and was eventually translated into over 300 languages. It was sung in churches, in town squares, even on battlefields during World War I. During a temporary truce on Christmas Eve, soldiers sang carols from home, including “Silent Night.” Known around the world by the wartime Christmas of 1914, the song was sung simultaneously across the trenches in French, German, and English.

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight!

Glories stream from heaven afar;

Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!

Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born!

Let’s pray.

Lord, thank you for inspiring us to share the Gospel of peace with our neighbors across the street, and around the world. The miracle of Jesus’ birth is a story worth telling again and again, and we ask you to give us the opportunity, and the words, to share the Good News. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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