Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#126

126. 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 to-night.

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 men 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 to-day,
We hear the heavenly 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
• Author: Bp. Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Bethlehem: Christ born in; Christ: Incarnate; Christmas Hymns; The Son: Christmas; Incarnation of Jesus

Tune Information

• Name: BETHLEHEM
• Composer: Sir Joseph Barnby, 1838-1896
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.7.6.8.6
• Key: G Major or modal