




    O Little Town Of Bethlehem
       Brooks & Redner, 1868







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





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.





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.





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.




