Sunday Blessings - O Holy Night

This evening I went to a Carol service held at the Holy Trinity Church.
I have sung many times in this church.
Trinity Church is about 150 years old and was the first civil Anglican church of Allahabad built by the British. Now it belongs to the Church of North India although it holds on to its Anglican uniqueness.

The beautiful spire decorated for the occasion

Another view with the moon

The altar with a stain glass window.

The pulpit

This is a Bible reading brass stand in the shape of an eagle.

About 17 choirs from different churches took part in the service

Children 's choir. There are 2 Korean girls in there.

The man playing the accordion is my cousin brother. He is a reputed eye surgeon of our city. He plays the piano, classical guitar and other instruments.His grandmother was the first Indian pianist of our city during the British rule. His late father composed many Christian hymns and Biblical musicals in our mother tongue.

At the close of the service the congregation processes out with candles.

Everybody gathers in the church yard where Scripture verses are read.
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O Holy Night is another favourite carol of mine.

Who could have sung it better than Luciano Pavarotti

O Holy Night Lyrics The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).
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 Spirit 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 night, O Holy Night , O night divine! O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!