o little town of bethlehem

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. 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 today!

we hear the christmas angels

the great glad tidings tell;

o come to us

abide with us

our lord emmanuel!