“O Little Town of Bethlehem” is one of the world’s most beloved Christmas hymns, written in 1868 by Phillips Brooks and set to music by Lewis Redner. Phillips Brooks, an American Episcopal bishop, wrote the poem after visiting Bethlehem in 1865. The O Little Town of Bethlehem lyrics have been sung for over 150 years, capturing the quiet wonder of the night Jesus was born.
[Verse 1]
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
[Verse 2]
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And peace upon the earth
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
[Verse 3]
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
[Verse 4]
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 Immanuel!
Lyrics by Phillips Brooks (1868)
Song Meaning
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” begins with a quiet picture of the town at night and turns toward the hope Christians see in Jesus’ birth. Its final verse becomes a prayer for Christ to enter and remain with the singer.
Bible Connections
Micah 5:2 names Bethlehem in the hope for a ruler, and Luke 2:4–7 places Jesus’ birth there. The hymn’s language of light amid darkness also recalls John 1:4–5.
For Worship
This hymn fits Advent and Christmas carol services. The closing plea, “abide with us,” makes it especially useful as a congregational prayer.
Bible Verse
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.— Micah 5:2
Chords
O Little Town of Bethlehem Chords Key: G (Traditional) [Verse] G D7 G E7 Am – O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie G D7 G D7 G – Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by G B7 Em G D7 – Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light G D7 G E7 Am G D7 G – The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight Strumming Pattern: D – DU – UDU or simple D – D (hymn-like, gentle)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of O Little Town of Bethlehem?
The hymn meditates on the birth of Jesus in the humble, quiet town of Bethlehem. It reflects on how the greatest hope of all history arrived in silence, and closes with a prayer for Christ to be born in our hearts today.
2. Who wrote O Little Town of Bethlehem and when?
The lyrics were written by Phillips Brooks, an American Episcopal bishop, in 1868, inspired by his visit to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve 1865. Lewis Redner composed the original music.
3. Is O Little Town of Bethlehem based on the Bible?
Yes. The hymn is rooted in Micah 5:2 (the Bethlehem prophecy), Luke 2:1-20 (the nativity account), and Matthew 2:1-12 (the visit of the Magi).
4. When can I use O Little Town of Bethlehem in worship?
This classic Christmas hymn is ideal for Christmas Eve services, Advent services, school carol events, and any Christmas gathering that calls people back to the wonder and simplicity of the nativity.