The eminent Episcopalian, Phillips Brooks, has made a valuable addition to our collection of Christmas hymns in his —
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
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 darkness 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 our 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 today.
We hear the Christmas angels,
The great glad tidings tell :
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
The hymn was written in 1868. It is both a tribute and a prayer. Its poetical merit and devotional character make it worthy of the high favor in which it stands.
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