Bethlehem!

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 24, 1903

“And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.”

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 to-night.

O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth. For Christ is born of Mary, And, gathered all above, While mortals sleep the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.

How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear can hear His coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will accept Him still, The dear Christ enters in.

—Phillips Brooks.

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”