O Little Town of Bethlehem

The Arrival of Bethlehem, by Master LC, c. 1540. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
The Arrival of Bethlehem, by Master LC, c. 1540. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States.

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.

The Nativity, by Lorenzo Monaco, c. 1406-10. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States. Via IllustratedPrayer.com
The Nativity, by Lorenzo Monaco, c. 1406-10. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States.

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 men on earth.

The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Marcellus Coffermans, c. 1561. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States.
The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Marcellus Coffermans, c. 1561. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States.

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.

Karina Tabone

Karina Tabone is a wife, mother of four, author, blogger, and lover of Christian artwork. She's the author of the Illustrated Rosary series, which pairs every prayer of the Rosary with beautiful religious artwork. She likes also milkshakes, sunshine, and mystery novels. Follow her on Twitter at @illustr_prayer.

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