LSB 361: O Little Town of Bethlehem

The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

It’s time to head into Bethlehem with hymn LSB 361: “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Written by an Episcopal Priest inspired by his own visit to Bethlehem in 1865, this contemplative and peaceful carol has become one of the most popular Christmas hymns of our time. Come learn how this Christmas hymn urges us to reflect on the birth of Jesus. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/361

Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

Lutheran Service Book 361

1 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.

2 For Christ is born of Mary,

And gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wond'ring love.

O morning stars, together

Proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the king

And peace to all the earth!

3 How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv'n!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heav'n.

No ear may hear His coming;

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him, still

The dear Christ enters in.

4 O holy Child of Bethlehem,

Descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in,

Be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us,

Our Lord Immanuel!

Text Information

First Line: O little town of Bethlehem

Title: O Little Town of Bethlehem

Author: Phillips Brooks, 1835-93

Meter: 86 86 76 86

Language: English

Publication Date: 2006

Scripture: Luke 2:1-15; Luke 1:68-75; Ephesians 3:16-19; Micah 5:2

Notes: Alternate tune: FOREST GREEN

Tune Information

Name: ST. LOUIS

Composer: Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908

Meter: 86 86 76 86

Key: F Major

Source: Service Book and Hymnal, 1958, alt. (Setting)

Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/361