<P> `` O Holy Night '' ( French : `` Minuit Chretiens ! '' or `` Cantique de Noël '' ) is a well - known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem `` Minuit , chrétiens '' ( Midnight , Christians ) written by a wine merchant and poet , Placide Cappeau ( 1808 -- 1877 ) . In both the French original and the two familiar English versions of the carol , as well as many other languages , the text reflects on the birth of Jesus and on humanity 's redemption . </P>
<P> `` O Holy Night '' ( French : `` Minuit Chretiens ! '' or `` Cantique de Noël '' ) is a well - known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem `` Minuit , chrétiens '' ( Midnight , Christians ) written by a wine merchant and poet , Placide Cappeau ( 1808 -- 1877 ) . In both the French original and the two familiar English versions of the carol , as well as many other languages , the text reflects on the birth of Jesus and on humanity 's redemption . </P>
what does the song o holy night mean
what does the song o holy night mean
the birth of Jesus and on humanity 's redemption
the birth of Jesus and on humanity 's redemption