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 his his coming
But in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive him still
The dear christ enters in


O holy child of bethlehem
Descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in

Be born to us today
We hear the christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell

O come to us abide with us
Our lord emmanuel