The broken pipe organ did not have a chance of functioning for the Christmas Eve service.  Yet, the inspiration of a new-born baby was what Father Joseph Mohr  needed to pen one of the most-loved Christmas carols in all of Christendom, Silent Night, Holy Night.  The number of musicians and artists who have performed or recorded or painted, etc, a rendition of this carol is legion.  Often, we in the northern hemisphere envision a snow-covered setting along the lines of a Currier and Ives scene.  Regardless if it's a nostalgic setting, the final song of our own church's Christmas Eve service, or being played at home, it is something that inspires worship as we contemplate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords coming humbly to the Earth, to live among us, show us the Father, and give Himself for us so our sins can be forgiven.  How great the love the Father has bestowed on us.... I John 3:1

Article taken from Living Stories of Famous Hymns by Ernest K. Emurian. Copyright © 1955 by Baker Book House Company. Used by permission of Baker Book House Company.