Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

Micah 5:2

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.

Lyrics

“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.”

“O Little Town of Bethlehem" was written by Phillips Brooks (1835–1893), an Episcopal priest, then pastor of Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia and later of Trinity Church in Boston. He was encouraged by touring the town of Bethlehem in the Sanjak of Jerusalem in 1865. Three years following, he penned the poem for his church, and his organist Lewis Redner (1831-1908) composed the accompanying melody. (Godtube.com/O Little Town of Bethlehem)

Dear Heavenly Father, this particular Christmas carol reminds us that You moved in a mighty way in the sleepy little town of Bethlehem. While people were resting and shepherds were carrying out normal routines and duties, You sent our Savior and changed everything. Some of us may be stuck in routines, or we may feel like the world is dark around us, I pray You’ll remind us that You never sleep or slumber. We trust You, and we thank You that in our darkest streets everlasting light shines.