O Holy Night

One night, one holy night, the Lord Jesus Christ came to live among men to fulfill all righteousness. At the time, his birth was noted by only a few; yet now, each year at Christmastime, millions pause to celebrate, to worship, and to read again the story in the scriptures.

And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God (Alma 7:10).

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus (Luke 1:30–31).

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (Micah 5:2).

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:6–7).

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:8–12).

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).

Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him (Matt. 2:2).

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14).

Illustrated by Brent Christison

Madonna of the Roses (16th-Century Renaissance), Biblioteca Ambrosiana, Milan. (Painting by Bernardino Luini.)

The Adoration of the Shepherds (ca. 1510), National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (Painting by Giorgione.)

Adoration of the Magi (16th-Century Renaissance), Pinacoteca, Sansepolcro. (Painting by Jacopo Bassano.)