“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” is a Christmas carol written in 1849 by Edmund Sears, a Unitarian minister. The song focuses on the theme of peace on Earth, as proclaimed by angels on the night of Christ’s birth. Unlike many traditional carols that emphasize the nativity scene, this hymn reflects on the world’s struggles and longings for divine peace. The lyrics contrast the angelic message of goodwill with the pain and suffering of humanity, calling for hope and faith in a better future. The melody most commonly associated with it was composed by Richard Storrs Willis.