O Little Town
Emmanuel's Peaceful Night in Bethlehem
Lyrics
Emmanuel
Repetition of "Emmanuel" emphasizes the presence of God with us.
Emmanuel
-Emmanuel
-Emmanuel
-O little town of Bethlehem
Reference to Bethlehem, the setting of the Christmas story.
How still we see thee lie
Describes the peaceful and quiet state of Bethlehem.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
Illustrates the calmness of the night, with stars silently shining.
The silent stars go by
Reflects the serene atmosphere of the sleeping town.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
Despite the darkness, Bethlehem shines with the eternal light, bringing hope and addressing the fears of all time.
The everlasting Light
-The hopes and fears of all the years
-Are met in thee tonight
-Emmanuel
Continued emphasis on "Emmanuel," reinforcing the idea of God's presence.
Emmanuel
-Emmanuel
-Emmanuel
-For Christ is born of Mary
Acknowledges the birth of Christ through Mary.
And gathered all above
-While mortals sleep, the angels keep
While people sleep, angels marvel at the wonder of Christ's birth.
Their watch of wondering love
-O morning stars together
Celebrates the holy birth with morning stars singing praises to God the King.
Proclaim the holy birth
-All praises sing to God the King
-And Peace to men on earth
Declares peace to all people on earth.
Emmanuel, Christ with us
Reiterates the presence of Emmanuel, emphasizing peace through God's son.
Emmanuel has come
-Emmanuel brings peace on earth
-Emmanuel, God's son
-O holy Child of Bethlehem
Invites the holy Child to descend, cleanse sins, and be born in the hearts of believers.
Descend to us, we pray
-Cast out our sin and enter in
-Be born in us today
-We hear the Christmas angels
Heralds the message of Christmas through angels, inviting Emmanuel to abide with us.
The great glad tidings tell
-O come to us, abide with us
-Our Lord
Direct plea to the Lord for his presence.
Emmanuel, Christ with us
Reaffirms the arrival of Emmanuel, bringing peace as God's son.
Emmanuel has come
-Emmanuel brings peace on earth
-Emmanuel, God's son
-Emmanuel, Christ with us
Continued emphasis on Emmanuel bringing peace as God's son.
Emmanuel has come
-Emmanuel brings peace on earth
-Emmanuel, God's son
-Emmanuel
Final repetition of "Emmanuel" to conclude the song with a strong sense of God's presence.
Emmanuel
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