Hymns of Glory, Songs of Praise ‎#304

304. 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 shining
the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in you tonight.

2 O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to all on earth.
For Christ is born of Mary;
and, gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.

3 How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming;
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
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
• Author: Phillips Brooks (1835-1893)
• Meter: DCM Irregular
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2008
• Scripture:
  2 Corinthians 9:15
  ;
  Ephesians 3:17
  ;
  Galatians 4:4
  ;
  Isaiah 9:2
  ;
  Isaiah 60:19-20
  ;
  Job 38:7
  ;
  John 1:12
  ;
  Luke 2:1-16
  ;
  Luke 24:29
  ;
  Matthew 2:5-6
  ;
  Micah 5:2

Tune Information

• Name: FOREST GREEN
• Harmonizer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
• Meter: DCM Irregular
• Key: F Major