O Little Town of Bethlehem

Verse 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.

Verse 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
to God the King,
and peace to
all on earth!

Verse 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.

Verse 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!