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 [bad word] 
   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;
 [bad word] to us, abide with us,
   Our Lord Emmanuel!