From: LDS Media Library
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" has only recently become on of my favorite carols. When I was younger I thought the tune was too slow. But these words in the first verse finally struck me.
"Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight."
I love the image of dark alleyways contrasted with a bright light shining from a stable. In such a small, humble place something so miraculous occurred.
I'm no Bible scholar, but I do love learning the meanings of names and places in the Bible. According to the Bible Dictionary, Bethlehem means "House of Bread." It is only fitting then that Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), would be born there.
Feel free to share one of your favorite carols in the comments. I'd love to get an idea of what others like to listen to over the holidays.
"O Little Town of Bethlehem"
"O Little Town of Bethlehem"
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above your 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.
How still we see thee lie!
Above your 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.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God, the King,
And peace to men on earth.
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.
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous Gift is giv'n!
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.
The wondrous Gift is giv'n!
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.
2 comments:
That is a beautiful Christmas hymn. We're singing it tomorrow in Sacrament meeting. Now I'll be thinking a little more about the words as I direct!
I have a few favorites, but I think the one that tops them all is: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel:
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
My favorite verse is No. 3. Have a very Merry Christmas Michelle (and family)!
Great choice Joanne! I love that one too.
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