133. O Little Town of Bethlehem

1 O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see you lie!
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
Yet in your dark streets shines forth
the everlasting light;,
The hopes and fears of all the years
are met in you tonight.

2 For Christ is born of Mary,
and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing, and voices ring
with peace to all on earth.

3 How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the glorious love of heaven.
No one discerns God's coming,
but in this world of sin,
Where yearning souls long to be whole,
the dear Christ enters in.

4 O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Emmanuel!

Text Information
First Line: O little town of Bethlehem
Title: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Author: Phillips Brooks (1868, alt.)
Meter: 8.6.8.6.7.6.8.6.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1995
Scripture: ;
Topic: Christmas; Jesus Christ: Birth and Infancy; Year C: Advent 4
Notes: Alternate tune: FOREST GREEN
Tune Information
Name: ST. LOUIS
Composer: Lewis H. Redner (1868)
Meter: 8.6.8.6.7.6.8.6.
Key: F Major



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