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!
2. 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 !
3. 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.
4. 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 holy angels The great glad tidings tell, " Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel !