Title: O little town of Bethlehem
Hymn Number: SS&S 26 (Sacred songs and solo)
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 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 !
About The Hymn
The hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” numbered 26 in Sacred Songs and Solos, was written by Phillips Brooks in 1868. It is a tender and reflective Christmas hymn that captures the stillness and wonder of Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth. The hymn focuses on themes of divine mystery, peace, and the transformative power of Christ’s presence. Each of its four verses invites worshippers to meditate on the significance of Jesus’ humble birth and its profound implications for humanity.
Verse 1: The Stillness of Bethlehem
“O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.”
The first verse sets a tranquil scene of Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth. The imagery of a “deep and dreamless sleep” reflects the peacefulness of the town, seemingly unaware of the monumental event taking place within its borders.
It continues:
“Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”
This line contrasts the town’s outward stillness with the spiritual significance of what is happening. The “everlasting Light” refers to Jesus, the Light of the world, whose birth fulfills the hopes and promises of God’s people. The juxtaposition of “hopes and fears” acknowledges the profound impact of Christ’s coming, bringing hope to a broken world.
Verse 2: The Mystery of Christ’s Birth
“For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.”
The second verse emphasizes the divine mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man through the birth of Christ. The contrast between the sleeping mortals and the watchful angels reflects the unseen spiritual reality surrounding Jesus’ birth.
The verse concludes:
“O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.”
This line celebrates the heavenly response to the Nativity, echoing the angelic proclamation of peace and goodwill in Luke 2:13–14. The “morning stars” symbolize the cosmic rejoicing that accompanies the arrival of the Savior.
Verse 3: Christ’s Presence in Human Hearts
“How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.”
The third verse reflects on the quiet and humble manner of Christ’s coming. It draws a parallel between the physical birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and His spiritual coming into the hearts of believers.
It continues:
“No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.”
This line emphasizes the personal nature of salvation. Jesus’ arrival is not accompanied by fanfare but is received by those who approach Him with humility and faith. It highlights the ongoing relevance of Christ’s birth, as He continues to enter the lives of those who welcome Him.
Verse 4: A Prayer for Christ’s Presence
“O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.”
The final verse is a heartfelt prayer for spiritual renewal. It asks Jesus, the “holy Child,” to come into the hearts of worshippers, cleansing them from sin and making His presence known in their lives.
The verse concludes:
“We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.”
This closing line connects the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth to the personal longing for His abiding presence. The name “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us,” emphasizes the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers, reminding them that His coming brings not only salvation but also fellowship with God.
Overall Message and Significance
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” is a hymn of quiet reflection and profound awe at the mystery of the Incarnation. It contrasts the humble and silent setting of Jesus’ birth with the transformative power of His coming. Each verse weaves together themes of peace, divine love, and the fulfillment of God’s promises, inviting worshippers to meditate on the spiritual significance of Christmas.
The hymn highlights not only the historical event of Christ’s birth but also its personal and ongoing impact. It calls believers to receive Jesus into their hearts with humility and faith, allowing Him to bring peace, forgiveness, and renewal. Through its gentle melody and evocative imagery, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” remains a cherished part of Christmas worship, inspiring awe and gratitude for God’s gift of His Son.