O Little Town of Bethlehem
The Choir of York Minster 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" is a beautiful and heartwarming Christmas carol that explores the town's significance where Jesus was born. The lyrics begin with an evocative image of the town in the still of the night, as the stars watch over it in silence. This opening image establishes the town's peacefulness and tranquillity, making it a fitting location for a miraculous birth. As the song progresses, we learn that the town might be quiet, but it is not without light. The light of Christ shines even in its darkest corners and in the hearts of believers.
The second verse of the song tells us about the birth of Christ and the reaction of the angels who keep watch above mortals while they sleep. The angels witness the birth and are filled with wonder and awe. At sunrise, the morning stars sing praises to God and announce the birth of the holy child in the little town of Bethlehem. The lyrics show that the birth of Christ is a powerful symbol of hope and peace for all mankind.
In the final verse, we see that Bethlehem is a place where hopes and fears meet. The birth of Christ brings joy and hope to people who have struggled with fear and uncertainty. The everlasting light of Christ illuminates even the darkest corners of our hearts and minds, providing hope and comfort to those who seek it. In summary, the song explores the significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Christ and portrays the town as a symbol of hope, love, and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Despite the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we witness Bethlehem in a moment of perfect peace, quiet and serenity.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
As the bright stars in the sky look down, everything is calm and quiet in Bethlehem.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of the city, the light of Jesus shines bright, bringing hope to all those who see it.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
In this single moment, all of the anxieties and aspirations of every generation come together in Bethlehem.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
Mary has given birth to Jesus, who has been welcomed and celebrated by angels who have gathered above Bethlehem.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
When people are peacefully asleep, angels continue to keep watch over the newborn Jesus, full of love and awe.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The stars in the sky celebrate the arrival of Jesus by shining brightly together, announcing the holy birth.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
Everyone joins together in song, offering their praises to God the King and praying for peace throughout the earth.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEROY ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind