Full 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.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
About This Song
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" was written by Phillips Brooks in 1868, inspired by a visit to Bethlehem three years earlier. The melody by Lewis Redner was composed for a children's Sunday school choir in Philadelphia.
The fact that this beloved carol was originally written for children makes it particularly special. Brooks wanted to capture the wonder and stillness of the nativity scene in a way that young hearts could understand.
The gentle imagery of a quiet town under starlight has made this one of the most cherished Christmas carols worldwide, perfect for school nativities and family sing-alongs.