Page:The English hymnal (1906).djvu/54



Suitable till Candlemas

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.

2. O morning stars, together
 * Proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King,
 * And peace to men on earth;

For Christ is born of Mary;
 * And, gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep
 * Their watch of wondering love.

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.

4. Where children pure and happy
 * Pray to the blessèd Child.

Where misery cries out to thee.
 * Son of the mother mild;

Where charity stands watching
 * And faith holds wide the door,

The dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
 * And Christmas comes once more.