O little town of Bethlehem

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM,
how still we see you lie!
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by:
yet in your streets is shining
the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in you 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 all the 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—
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel.