American worship leader and songwriter Phil Wickham has shared the official music video for ‘O Holy Night (Adoration)’, bringing a new verse and worship refrain to the much-loved Christmas carol.

The song opens with the familiar words of “O Holy Night”, a hymn that has been sung for generations in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While keeping the original message, Wickham introduces a newly written second verse and a refrain that brings the song into a more contemporary worship setting.

One of the most familiar moments in the carol is the declaration of Christ as Lord, calling all to praise His name forever. Wickham builds on this with a new refrain that begins, “So holy, so holy, we welcome the King of Ages”, before moving into a declaration of His worthiness and adoration.

The additions fit naturally into the song. Rather than simply singing the Christmas carol as many have come to know it, Wickham gives worshippers something new to sing while keeping the focus on Jesus. The familiar lyrics tell of the night Christ was born, while the new refrain offers a response to that wonderful news.

It is also what makes this version suitable for congregational worship during the Christmas season. Those who have grown up singing “O Holy Night” will recognise the carol, while the new sections offer another opportunity to join in worship.

Wickham, known for songs including “Living Hope”, “This Is Amazing Grace” and “House of the Lord”, has become one of the familiar voices in contemporary Christian worship, with many of his songs sung in churches around the world.

With ‘O Holy Night (Adoration)’, he brings together the familiar beauty of a Christmas classic and a fresh invitation to worship Christ, the King whose birth is at the heart of the celebration.