O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

LYRICS

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by:
Yet in the dark streets shineth The ever lasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

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 the earth!

How silently the wondrous gift is giv’n!
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.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born to us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, The great glad tidings tell:
Oh, come to us, abide with us, 
Our Lord Immanuel!