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



How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is given

So god imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heaven

We hear the christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell

O come to us, abide with us

Our lord emmanuel



No ear may hear his coming

But in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive him

Still the dear christ enters in.