164. 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, 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 the earth.

3 How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings born of 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;
oh come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel.

Text Information
First Line: O little town of Bethlehem
Title: O little town of Bethlehem
Author: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893 (alt.)
Meter: 8 6 8 6 D CMD
Language: English
Publication Date: 1997
Scripture: ; ;
Topic: Church Year: Christmas; Jesus Christ: Emmanuel
Copyright: Public Domain
Tune Information
Name: FOREST GREEN
Harmonizer: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
Meter: 8 6 8 6 D CMD
Key: G Major or modal
Source: English Traditional
Copyright: Harmony © Oxford University Press from The English Hymnal



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