Josh Groban's Performance Of 'O Holy Night' Has The Internet In Tears

Dec 28, 2018

The song is "O Holy Night." The artist is Josh Groban. The video is scenes from the movie "The Nativity Story."

The song actually began as a French poem. Placide Cappeau wrote it to celebrate the renovation of a church organ.

In 1847, composer Adolphe Adam converted it to a song. Although the original French version and two English version are the ones you are most likely to know, it has been translated into many different languages over the years.

The song is about the birth of Jesus and the redemption of humanity. It is very popular in Christmas programs, both religious and secular.

This version is elevated by the smooth sounds of the famous singer Josh Groban. It is further enhanced by the backdrop of imagery from the movie "The Nativity Story."

The video begins with a clip depicting the birth of a baby to two adoring and ecstatic parents, Joseph and Mary. They are safely ensconced in a manger, a secured and covered area for animals.

At the time, people did not live like they do now. A manger may sound to the modern ear like Joseph and Mary were relegated to a barn somewhere. In reality, it would be a little more like if a modern American family allowed a homeless couple to stay the night on the enclosed screen porch where the family dog typically sleeps. It would be one step short of taking a stranger into one's home out of compassion.

Animals were much more a part of life than they are for most modern people. Where we drive cars, they rode mules, camels and horses. The degree of stigma so often assumed in the scene is probably overblown.

The video clips make good use of chiaroscuro to depict a miraculous event and suggest a fitting means for locals and kings to notice that something of importance was happening and go check it out. The clips have nice details, such as a close up of the feet of the camels as they walk, carrying the three kings as they draw near.

Many people seem to forget that Christianity spread so far and wide in part because they didn't hesitate to adopt the traditions of various cultures. Many cultures of the world have some variation of Christmas where gifts are given out on some date in the depths of winter.

For Christians, Jesus is the reason for the season. That's what this song and this video capture.

Did this give you a few minutes respite from holiday madness? Do you know a few folks who might appreciate the same? Go ahead and pass this along to your friends and family - you might just brighten up their day!