The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook ‎#330

330. O little town of Bethlehem

1 O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see you lie!
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by.
Yet, in your dark streets shining
the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in you tonight.

2 O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace to all on earth.
For Christ is born of Mary;
and, gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.

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.

Text Information

• First Line: O little town of Bethlehem
• Author: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893
• Meter: 86 86 78 86 Irregular
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2004
• Topic: Jesus Christ: His Birth

Tune Information

• Name: FOREST GREEN
• Harmonizer: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
• Meter: 86 86 78 86 Irregular
• Key: F Major
• Source: English Traditional Melody
• Copyright: Harm.: English Hymnal, 1906