O Little Town of Bethlehem
Bethlehem's Timeless Hope: A Reverent Hymn of Christmas
Lyrics
o little town of bethlehem
Addressing Bethlehem, a small town
how still we see thee lie!
Commenting on the calmness of the town
above thy deep and dreamless sleep
Describing the quietness of the town while people sleep
the silent stars go by
Noting the movement of stars above the town
yet in thy dark streets shineth
Despite the darkness of the streets, there is a bright eternal light
the ever lasting light
Emphasizing the enduring nature of this light
the hopes and fears of all the years
Stating that the hopes and fears of all time converge in Bethlehem on this night
are met in thee tonight
Highlighting the significance of this convergence
for christ is born of mary
Acknowledging the birth of Christ from Mary
and gathered all above
Noting the gathering of celestial beings above Bethlehem
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
While humans sleep, angels keep watch with love
their watch of wandering love
Emphasizing the vigilance and care of the angels
o morning stars, together
Calling upon the stars to announce the birth
proclaim the holy birth
Celebrating and declaring the birth as holy
and praises sing to god the king
Offering praises to God, the king, and invoking peace on earth
and peace to men on earth
Desiring peace among humanity
o holy child of bethlehem!
Addressing the holy child of Bethlehem
descend to us, we pray
Requesting the holy child to come to humanity
cast out our sin and enter in
Asking for the removal of sins and the entry of the child into their lives
be born in us today
Desiring the birth of this child within them on this day
we hear the christmas angels
Hearing the angels announce joyous news
the great glad tidings tell
Acknowledging the glad tidings brought by the angels
o come to us, abide with us
Inviting the Lord Immanuel to come and stay with them
our lord immanuel!
Calling for the presence of the Lord for peace among humans
and peace to men on earth
Reiterating the desire for peace among humanity
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