Phillips Brooks was the minister of Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia and visited Bethlehem in December of 1865.

 

When Pastor Brooks traveled to the Holy Land, the journey included a horseback ride from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Back then, it truly was a small village, far removed from the bustling city it would later become. By nightfall, he was in the field where, according to tradition, the shepherds heard the angelic announcement. Then he attended the Christmas Eve service at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

 

Years later, the pastor recalled that first visit to the place of Jesus’ birth. “I remember especially on Christmas Eve, when I was standing in the old church in Bethlehem, close to the spot where Jesus was born, when the whole church was ringing hour after hour with the splendid hymns of praise to God, how again and again it seemed as if I could hear voices I knew well, telling each other of the ‘wonderful night’ of the Savior’s birth.”

 

He wrote a poem about his experience, asking the church organist to set it to music for the children’s choir to sing at Christmas time. 

 

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

 

Let’s pray.

 

Dear Lord, what a gift we were given long ago in the form of baby Jesus. The birth of our Savior in a small town stable changed everything, and we are so grateful for His legacy of hope. Help us to focus on the true reason for this season of celebration. In Jesus' name. Amen.