O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The Choir Of Trinity College Cambridge 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.
The song "O Little Town of Bethlehem" describes the stillness and peacefulness of the town at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the town in the night, with silent stars shining above and the town itself sleeping in peacefulness. However, this peacefulness contrasts with the light of Christ - the everlasting light - which shines through the dark streets of Bethlehem, giving hope to all who see it. The second verse shifts to describing the birth of Christ himself, and the angels who keep watch over him. It also emphasizes the importance of Christ's birth, with the morning stars singing in praise of "thy holy birth" and "peace to men on earth".
Taken as a whole, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a powerful reminder of the message of hope and peace brought by the birth of Jesus Christ. The contrast between the stillness of the town and the bright light of Christ creates a sense of awe and reverence, while the emphasis on the angels and the morning stars underscores the magnitude of this important moment in history. Overall, the song celebrates the birth of Christ as a moment of joy and hope for all people.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Bethlehem, a small town, rests silently in the night.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars silently observe the town, as it sleeps soundly?
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The streetlights gleam everlastingly even in the darkness.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All aspirations and anxieties over the years meet tonight in Bethlehem.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Mary has given birth to Christ, who is now present above all.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As people sleep, the angels observe in awe and admiration.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars announce the holy birth of Christ.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
Singing for God and wishing peace for all mankind.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Bethlehem, a small town, rests silently in the night.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars silently observe the town, as it sleeps soundly.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The streetlights gleam everlastingly even in the darkness.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
All aspirations and anxieties over the years meet tonight in Bethlehem.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lewis H Redner, Phillip Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind