Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in the dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Oh 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 Emanuel.
French lyrics for "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem"
Petite ville, Bethléem, tu dors tranquillement
Sur ton sommeil, l'étoile d'or se lève au firmament.
Sa lumière éternelle nous apporte la joie.
Oui, la réponse à nos appels, ce soir se trouve en toi.
Car Jésus de Marie est né, et tandis que tout dort,
Les anges là-haut assemblés chantent leurs doux accords.
Proclamez sa naissance, étoiles du matin!
Apportant la paix et l'amour, voici l'Enfant divin.
Ah! qu'il fut donné simplement ce présent merveilleux!
Ainsi Dieu bénit les humains en leur ouvrant les cieux.
Nul n'entend sa venue dans ce monde pécheur.
Mais Jésus entre, bienvenu, dans les plus humbles coeurs.
