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 to-night. 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 hear 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 in us to-day. We hear the Christmas angels   The great glad tidings tell; Oh come to us, abide with us,   Our Lord Emmanuel!