O Little Town of Bethlehem

Philip Brooks, an episcopal priest, was inspired in 1865 when he was visiting the town of Bethlehem. Three years later, he wrote the poem for his church and his organist, Lewis Redner, added the music. This is not, however "the" tune for "O Little Town of Bethlehem". The English tune adapted by Ralph Vaughan Williams called "Forest Green" is used at the service of Nine Lessons and Carols in Kings College, Cambridge and in all churches in Great Britian and some churches in the United States.

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.

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.

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.

Where children pure and happy Pray to the blessed Child, Where misery cries out to thee, Son of the mother mild; Where charity stands watching And faith holds wide the door, The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, And Christmas comes once more.

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 Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!