O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see the 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

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 thy 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

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 Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel!

The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night

Are met in thee to-night...