On Christmas Eve, 1818, the congregation of St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria heard the first performance of Silent Night. The carol was accompanied by just a guitar. Joseph Mohr, a priest who was only 26 years old, wrote the simple yet powerful words. Franz Gruber, a close friend, wrote the inspired music. This song has since touched the hearts of millions throughout the world and has been performed more than any other carol.
