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!
