Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

('Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem' was penned by a priest called Philip Brooks.

He was inspired and overwhelmed by his visit to the town of Bethlehem

in 1865. He wrote the song three years later for his church.

The organist of his church, known as Lewis Redner, composed its music.)



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.



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 men 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.



Where children pure and happy

Pray to the blessed Child

Where misery cries out to thee

Son of the mother mild

Where charity stands watching

And faith holds wide the door

The dark night wakes, the glory breaks

And Christmas comes once more.



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!...