Hallowed Hymns, New and Old ‎#97

97. O Little Town of Bethlehem

1 O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

2 For Christ is born of Mary,
And gather'd all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.

3 How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heav'n.
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;
Oh, 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
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: [O little town of Bethlehem]
• Composer: Hubert P. Main
• Key: E♭ Major