The Christmas Words that Nobody Has Heard

In 1847, French composer Adolphe Adam wrote the music that we know as O Holy Night, using the words of a poem by Placide Cappeau.

I suppose everyone has heard the first verse. But what about the last one? Very few people realize that the poem was an abolitionist message, directed specifically at the remaining pockets of slavery in the world, especially in the United States. I think you should hear them.

The original French:

Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave:

La terre est libre, et le ciel est ouvert.

Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave,

L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer.

Qui lui dira notre reconnaissance,

C'est pour nous tous qu'il naît, qu'il souffre et meurt.

The English translation by John Sullivan Dwight in 1855:

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.

But an exact translation is:

The Redeemer has broken every bond:

The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.

He sees a brother where there was only a slave,

Love unites those that iron had chained.

Who will tell Him of our gratitude,

For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.

Sometimes it seems like most Christians actually celebrate the oppressive power of the conservatives, rather than the spirit of liberation. Some, like Bill O’Reilley, actually celebrate the happiness of slaves in the old days. It seems that only agnostics really appreciate the message of liberation from slavery.

The work of liberation in the world is not finished!