Introduction
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves in search of the perfect holiday songs to sing along to. One such beloved Christmas carol is "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." With its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics, this song has become a staple in holiday music. In this article, we will explore the lyrics of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" and provide a PDF version for easy reference.
The origins of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"
1. The author of the lyrics
The lyrics of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" were written by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a minister from Massachusetts, in 1849. Sears was inspired by the political and social unrest of his time, and he sought to convey a message of hope and peace through his poetry.
2. The melody
The melody for "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" was composed by Richard Storrs Willis, an American composer and music critic. Willis paired Sears' lyrics with his hauntingly beautiful melody, creating a timeless Christmas carol.
The meaning behind the lyrics
1. The midnight clear
The opening line of the song, "It came upon a midnight clear," sets the scene for the rest of the lyrics. This line refers to the calm and peacefulness of the night when angels appeared to announce the birth of Jesus. The midnight hour symbolizes a moment of divine intervention in a troubled world.
2. Peace on Earth
A recurring theme in the lyrics of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" is the hope for peace on Earth. Sears was deeply affected by the social and political turmoil of his time, and he used his poetry to advocate for peace and understanding among all people.
3. Goodwill to men
Another important message conveyed in the song is the idea of goodwill to all men. Sears believed that true peace could only be achieved through acts of kindness and compassion towards others. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace this spirit of goodwill and extend it to their fellow human beings.
A PDF version of the lyrics
1. Why a PDF version?
Having a PDF version of the lyrics can be handy for several reasons. It allows you to have a physical copy of the lyrics that you can easily refer to without the need for an internet connection. Additionally, you can print out multiple copies to share with family and friends during holiday gatherings.
2. How to access the PDF
Click on the link below to download the PDF version of the "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" lyrics:
3. Printing and sharing the PDF
Once you have downloaded the PDF, you can easily print it out using a printer. It is recommended to use a good quality paper for better readability. You can also share the PDF with others by sending it via email or messaging apps, or by uploading it to a cloud storage service for easy access.
Conclusion
"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" is a timeless Christmas carol that carries a message of hope, peace, and goodwill. The lyrics written by Edmund Hamilton Sears and the melody composed by Richard Storrs Willis continue to resonate with people around the world. By providing a PDF version of the lyrics, we hope to make it easier for you to enjoy and share this beautiful song during the holiday season.