'O Holy Night'

A friend recently told me about a singing group called Libera. My Christian musical roots, thanks to my organist/choirmaster father, are firmly planted in the British boy choir tradition. And while Libera's sound is slightly different, it's very appealing.

Libera is made up of boys from ages 6 to 16 from South London. Most of them are affiliated with the parish choir of St. Philip's Church, but the non-profit vocal group itself is not. They've put out several albums and done several tours. They've performed at churches and cathedrals around the world, as well as at secular venues. Their website describes them as "an alternative kind of boy band."

The name comes from the "Libera Me" portion of the Requiem Mass, and is Latin for "free." The choir often wears white robes while performing, modeled on monastic cowls.

It's too close to Christmas to be thinking of anything else. And for me, music is an intrinsic part of the celebration. I hope their performance of "O Holy Night" is as inspiring for you as it is for me. (Lyrics are below.)

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till 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! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine, the night when Christ was born;

O Holy Night, O Holy Night!

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! Forever praise we,

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

O Holy Night!