Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
752Resource Type:
Keys included:
F
About this Hymn
Philadelphia pastor Phillips Brooks's visit to Bethlehem inspired this plaintive hymn. In 1868 Brooks wrote the lyrics and passed them along to the church's organist, Lewis Redner, who composed the melody. It was first sung by a group of six Sunday school teachers and thirty-six children.
Lyrics
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 wond'ring love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
Verse 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.
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: oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.
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 wond'ring love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
Verse 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.
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: oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Phillips Brooks, 1868
Music: English folk tune; harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
Music: English folk tune; harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906