Lutheran Service Book ‎#361

361. 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 wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the king
And peace to all the earth!

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.

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 Immanuel!

Text Information

• First Line: O little town of Bethlehem
• Title: O Little Town of Bethlehem
• Author: Phillips Brooks, 1835-93
• Meter: 86 86 76 86
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2006
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:1-15
  ;
  Luke 1:68-75
  ;
  Ephesians 3:16-19
  ;
  Micah 5:2
• Notes: Alternate tune: FOREST GREEN

Tune Information

• Name: ST. LOUIS
• Composer: Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908
• Meter: 86 86 76 86
• Key: F Major
• Source: Service Book and Hymnal, 1958, alt. (Setting)