We Three Kings of Orient Are
Jeff Alexander Choir Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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.

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.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.

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.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" are an ode to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, who is considered the savior of Christianity. The song begins by painting a peaceful scene of Bethlehem, which is described as "still" and "deep and dreamless" as the night sky shines above it. However, amidst this profound stillness, the everlasting light of Christ is shining for all to see, giving joy to the people of Bethlehem and providing them with hope of salvation. The birth of Christ in Bethlehem is seen as a culmination of the hopes and fears of humanity.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Bethlehem is quiet and peaceful, with no commotion or disruption.


Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars are shining bright, illuminating the town while everyone sleeps deeply and soundly.


Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness in the streets, an eternal light shines, representing the presence of Christ.


The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus, the Messiah, which fulfills the hopes and fears of generations past.


For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Jesus is born to the virgin Mary, and all the angels are now gathered above to witness this miraculous event.


While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As people sleep, the angels watch over with love and amazement at the birth of the Savior.


Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars come together to proclaim the holy birth of Jesus.


And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
Angels sing praises to God, the king of all, and wish peace upon the earth.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions