O Little Town of Bethlehem

Ah, the tiny town of Bethlehem, remembered for all time. This tiny place carved out its place in history in the Old Testament, but how much more so with the birth of Christ! It was then that Bethlehem, the "house of bread," earned its name, for there in that humble city was a humble stable where the very bread of life came into the World.

"and there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the glory of the Lord shone round about them... And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:8-12

(This fresco is found at one of the churches in the Shepherd's Field where shepherds still watch their flocks outside Bethlehem.)

Micah 5:2 - But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.



Phillips Brooks of Philadelphia, wrote the words to O Little Town of Bethlehem in 1868, following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills of Palestine especially at night time he wrote the lyrics of O Little Town of Bethlehem. Lewis Redner, his church organist, wrote the melody to O Little Town of Bethlehem for the Sunday school children's choir.


This carol speaks to my heart, gently and quietly reminding me of the birth of Christ and the peace He brings. This song also places on my heart a burden for Bethlehem today. A city often filled with strife. Half Christian, half Muslim, this city balances so many of the difficulties of world. As I remember Bethlehem, I remember all of Israel in prayer. Until the Prince of Peace returns, there will likely be difficulty in the area, but my heart cries for God's people and for the Holy Land. The Christ child offers each of us internal peace, but my heart longs for His return, to reign in Glory as the Prince of Peace.

O 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
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel