The United Methodist Hymnal

230

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 on earth!

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.

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!

WORDS: Phillips Brooks, ca. 1868
MUSIC: Lewis H. Redner, 1868
Theme: Christ's Gracious Life: Birth and Baptism; Christ's Gracious Life: Birth and Baptism; Christian Year: Christmas; Christian Year: Christmas; Christian Year: Epiphany; Christian Year: Epiphany; Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ: Presence; Light; Service Music: Prayer Responses