"O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a popular Christmas carol, written by Phillip Brooks in the 19th Century. The lyrics refer to the town of Bethlehem where Jesus was born of Mary. This hymn describes the setting of Christ's birth and the wondrous gift that would be his life, teachings, and sacrifice. Discover the lyrics and story of this amazing hymn along with music videos below!
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 men on 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.
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" was written by Phillips Brooks (1835–1893), an Episcopal priest, then pastor of Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia and later of Trinity Church in Boston. He was encouraged by touring the town of Bethlehem in the Sanjak of Jerusalem in 1865. Three years following, he penned the poem for his church, and his organist Lewis Redner (1831-1908) composed the accompanying melody.
