I'm Angela O'Dell and you are listening to real cool history for kids, a podcast show featuring history stories told from a biblical worldview. Welcome to real cool history for kids. This is episode 13. Today I'm going to tell you the

incredible story of my very favorite Christmas hymn. Our story of Oh Holy Night began in France and from there it made its way

around the world. Although Oh Holy Night may seem like a simple song, it not only became one of the most beloved anthems of all times, it also

marks a technological revolution that changed the way people enjoyed music. Like I said, our story begins in France. The

year is 1847. Placide Capo was known for more of his poetry than his church attendance.

So he was surprised but honored when his parish priest asked him to write a special poem for Christmas

Mass.

As he traveled down a bumpy road and a stagecoach to France's capital city, Placit Capo thought about the

priest's request. He thought about these verses in Luke 2 that tell us about the

the events surrounding our Christ's birth.

This is what those verses say.

At that time the Roman Emperor Augustus decreed that his senses should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.

This was the first census taken when Quinarius was governor of Syria.

All returned to their own ancestral homes to register for this census, and because Joseph

was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem and Judea, David's ancient home.

He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.

He took with him Mary to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the

time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because

there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory

surrounded them.

They were terrified.

...