O Little Town of Bethlehem
Bing Crosby & Friends Lyrics
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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.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
Oh 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.
Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra's rendition of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a beautiful and heartfelt ode to the town where Jesus was born. The first verse begins with a description of the town as it rests peacefully, with its inhabitants asleep and the stars shining silently above. Despite the darkness and stillness of the night, the "everlasting light" of Christ shines in the streets of Bethlehem, filling the hearts of those who hope and fear for the future.
The second verse describes the scene of Christ's birth, as the angels watch over Him and sing praises to God. Their voices are likened to the "morning stars," which are said to sing together in the Bible. The birth of Jesus is considered a holy, miraculous event, and the singers express their gratitude for the peace that has come to the earth as a result of His arrival.
Overall, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a powerful and poignant reminder of the significance of Christmas and the message of hope and peace that it represents. The song's gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics capture the spirit of the holiday and serve as a comforting reminder of the power of faith and the enduring light of Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Bethlehem, you remain calm and peaceful. You appear to be resting in the stillness of the night.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stillness of the night is accompanied only by the movement of stars above you. Their silent presence illuminates you, even in your deep slumber.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite your absence of light in the darkness, an eternal light shines in your streets, symbolizing hope and love.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
You are the place where the aspirations and apprehensions of people throughout history converge on this night, the birth of Jesus Christ.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Jesus Christ has been born from Mary, and all the divine beings have come together to witness this miracle.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
During this peaceful night, as ordinary people are sleeping soundly, angels are keeping watch over Christ's birth with a sense of awe and amazement.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars have united to announce the holy birth of Jesus Christ, signifying a new beginning for humanity.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
In celebration of Christ's birth, people sing hymns in praise of God and ask for peace on earth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Once again, Bethlehem, you are tranquil and at peace as you witness the birth of Christ.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
In the quiet night sky, starlight shines above Bethlehem, basking you in a peaceful glow.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The darkness in Bethlehem's streets is illuminated by the everlasting light of Christ, a shining beacon of hope and love for all people.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Once again, all the hopes and fears of humanity find their expression and fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ, which took place in Bethlehem so long ago.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind