O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

One of my most vivid childhood memories are the trips to Bethlehem, PA, on Christmas Eve. I was in elementary school when my grandfather pastored a large church there.  Christmas was always spent with all of their family in the parsonage.  We would travel there the night before and as kids we would always look to see who could first spot the lighted PP&L building in Allentown.  That was the sign that we were almost there.  When we would arrive we would always find Grandma Wolf preparing hot chocolate and barbecue for the young people of the church who were out caroling.  They would gather afterwards in the parsonage basement to play ping pong and enjoy Grandma's food.  And so I have special memories of Bethlehem at Christmas.  But the events at Bethlehem centuries before are more memorable to everyone.  After a trip to Bethlehem in 1868, Rector Phillips Brooks was inspired by the view of the town from the hills of Palestine and he penned the words of that famous carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem".  The words remind us of that life changing event that happened that Christmas Eve.  And the miracle continues today ... "where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in."

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 his 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  

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