One song that gives me goosebumps every time

There is one song out there that gives me goosebumps every time I hear it, and I've heard it countless times.  It's not something that we hear on a regular basis until this time of the year, but to my ears it's one of the most beautiful songs ever written.

The notes and words that come from the chorus alone are enough to bring a lump to my throat.  I can be a softie that way.

It's a song that was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau (1808–1877).  It's seen a few different versions, but my favorite is the one created by Unitarian minister John Sullivan Dwight, editor of Dwight's Journal of Music, a singing edition based on Cappeau's French text in 1855.

It goes like this ...

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

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.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.