Today marks the 200th anniversary of this timeless carol.
Take that in.
200 years ago today, this song was sung for the first time in a tiny chapel outside Salzburg, Austria.
And it came about because of a tragedy.
Franz Gruber, organist at St. Nicholas Church, was preparing for the Christmas Eve service, arguably one of the most important services of the year (and, yes, let’s have a moment that it was the St. Nicholas Church).
In the days leading up to Christmas, Franz discovered the organ pipes were damaged. He had been preparing glorious music from our dear composer friend, Mr. Bach. It was going to be a rip-roaring good time — grand, celebratory music to herald in Christmas morn.
Broken organ pipes were not in the plan.
Father Joseph, priest at St. Nicholas, was informed of the situation and approached Gruber with a poem. He had composed it years before, and he wondered if the words could be turned into a new carol to encourage his flock.
Gruber set to work, penning a new tune to match Father Joseph’s lyrics. In an inspired decision, made necessary because of the organ’s condition, a simple guitar became the instrument of choice. A moment that was intended to be grand and stately became quiet and contemplative.
Silent Night, Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright
Sung for the first time on Christmas Eve, 1818.
200 years ago today.
Many of you will sing this carol tonight at your Christmas Eve services. Be reminded that it was an accident.
When your circumstances unfold in ways you don’t expect, call to mind Franz and his broken organ.
Beauty was created out of loss.
Beauty was created because of loss.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Merry Christmas, my friends.
Kristi
