Who wrote the lyrics for 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' and who composed the tune?
The carol 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', which is popular both sides of the Atlantic, was written by American priest Phillips Brooks in 1868 after he was inspired by a visit to Bethlehem in 1865. His organist Lewis Redner then set the lyrics to music, and this is the version often sung in the USA today.
Why are there two melodies for 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'?
However this is not the version sung in the UK and Commonwealth. Here the words are usually sung to the tune 'Forest Green', which Vaughan Williams had adapted from an English folk ballad called 'The Ploughboy's Dream'.
What are the lyrics to '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 dark streets 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 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 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 to us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel
You can find lyrics to some of your favourite Christmas carols here