For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Isaiah 9:6

In this episode, we take a walk through the story behind the song, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Written by Phillips Brooks just after the Civil War, the hymn grew out of a weary pastor’s visit to Bethlehem—a night that filled him with a peace he never forgot.

Knowing the heaviness of that moment in history makes the lyrics even more meaningful, especially the line: “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.”

We will also reflect on the humble setting of Jesus’ birth, Mary’s own song in Luke 1, and the way God still draws near to ordinary, humble hearts. We also look at the story behind the melody written for Brooks’ Sunday School children—a little reminder that God often meets us even when we feel defeated.

I’ll end with the song, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." I hope you discover, as I have, deeper layers of meaning in this familiar Christmas song. 

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