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
O Bethlehem,
How can you sleep?
A time has come
That's wilder than your dreams
Awaken your forsaken hope
And look upon your king
A baby born to set you free
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us
Abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
O Little Town of Bethlehem Video
O Little Town of Bethlehem Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
O Little Town of Bethlehem - A Song of Hope and Redemption
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a beloved Christmas carol that has been sung for generations. The song, written by Phillips Brooks, was first sung in 1868 during a midnight Christmas service. The song's lyrics draw upon the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, as well as the hope and redemption that his birth brings to the world.
JJ Heller's rendition of the song offers a fresh and heartfelt take on this classic hymn, with her signature acoustic sound and emotive vocals.
The Inspiration and Story Behind "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Phillips Brooks, the author of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," was a renowned American preacher and hymn writer. He was inspired to write the song after visiting Bethlehem during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1865. Brooks was struck by the contrast between the bustling, modern city of Jerusalem and the peaceful, humble village of Bethlehem, which he described as "still and sweet."
The song's melody was composed by Lewis Redner, a church organist who worked closely with Brooks. Redner had struggled to come up with a melody for the lyrics until he had a dream in which he heard an angel singing the tune. He woke up and quickly wrote down the melody, which he named "St. Louis" after the city where he was born.
The song quickly became popular, and by the turn of the 20th century, it was a staple of Christmas celebrations in churches and homes across the United States and beyond.
The Meaning of "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
The lyrics of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" paint a vivid picture of the town where Jesus Christ was born. The first verse sets the scene with the words:
"O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by"
The second verse describes the birth of Jesus and the joy that it brings to the world:
"For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love"
The third verse speaks of the significance of Jesus' birth for all humanity:
"O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today"
The final verse is a call to action for believers to share the good news of Jesus' birth:
"We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel"
Overall, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a song of hope and redemption. It reminds us that through the birth of Jesus, God has entered our world to bring us salvation and to reconcile us to himself. It also encourages us to share the good news of Jesus' birth with others and to invite him to dwell in our hearts.
Biblical References in "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
The lyrics of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" are based on the biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Matthew's Gospel records that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, and that his birth fulfilled the prophecy of the prophet Micah (Matthew 2:1-6). Luke's Gospel provides more detail about the circumstances of Jesus' birth, including the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus in a stable, and the visit of the shepherds (Luke 2:1-20).
The song also references other biblical themes and motifs, such as the angels who announce the good news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14), the significance of Jesus' birth for all humanity (John 3:16-17), and the invitation for believers to receive Jesus into their hearts (Revelation 3:20).
Practical Application of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" to Christian Living
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" offers several practical applications for Christian living. Firstly, the song reminds us of the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus' birth with others. Just as the angels proclaimed the glad tidings to the shepherds, we too are called to share the story of Jesus with those around us. This can be done through acts of kindness, sharing our own testimonies, or simply inviting others to church or Bible study.
Secondly, the song encourages us to invite Jesus to dwell in our hearts. The lyrics "Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today" remind us that salvation is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing process of surrendering our lives to Jesus and allowing him to transform us from the inside out. We can do this through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking fellowship with other believers.
Lastly, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" reminds us of the hope and redemption that Jesus brings to our lives. No matter what challenges or struggles we may face, we can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that Jesus has come to bring us salvation and to reconcile us to God. In this way, the song offers us a message of joy and peace that can sustain us throughout the year, not just during the Christmas season.
In conclusion, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a beautiful and timeless hymn that continues to inspire and uplift Christians around the world. Its message of hope, redemption, and salvation is as relevant today as it was when it was first written over 150 years ago. May we all be encouraged to share the good news of Jesus' birth with those around us, to invite him to dwell in our hearts, and to find hope and comfort in his love and grace.
