O Little Town of Bethlehem
Hymn composed by
Music: English MelodyContextual information
This tune, FOREST GREEN, is the less traditional melody for this carol.
This hymn appears as #267 in Singing the Living Tradition.
This tune, FOREST GREEN, is the less traditional melody for this carol.
This hymn appears as #267 in Singing the Living Tradition.
Tune Name
FOREST GREEN
Tune Name
Text Meter
8.6.8.6.7.6.8.6.
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
Music: English MelodyHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
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Arranger Background information
Lyrics
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.
Let praises ring: from God they bring goodwill to all on earth.
How silently, how silently the wonder is made known,
when God imparts to human hearts the gift that is our own.
No ear may hear that coming, but in this worldly din,
when souls are truly humble, then the dear babe rests within.
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