104 ~ O Little Town of Bethlehem
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 tonight.
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 today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell — Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!