| Home: United States O Little Town of Bethlehem (United States)
Moderator
Artist: sequenced by Bill Egan
Description:
Phillips Brooks was an Episcopal priest from Philadelphia when he journeyed to the Holy Land in 1865. On Christmas Eve, while riding on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, he stopped at the Field of the Shepherds and watched as dusk enveloped the streets of the village. He then attended the five-hour service at the Church of the Nativity. For three years he kept these memories to himself, then he was moved to relate them to others as he prepared for the Christmas service in his parish. He gave a five stanza poem to the church organist, Lewis Redner, who provided the melody. It was first heard on December 27, 1868 and first appeared in the Episcopal hymnal in 1892 and has gone on to become one of America's favorite carols.
Lyrics:
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 shinethThe 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 mortlas 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 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. ---- 4. 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 Immanuel! | 
Listen to Song! |
