Barbara's Random Thoughts

It usually takes me a while to get to the point where I feel like it's Christmastime. The rush of December so often crowds out times of reflection. I also find it's difficult for me to actually worship when singing Christmas carols--the words are so familiar that I tend to just sing and not think about what I'm singing. But this morning's worship service, followed by an hour of singing carols, was just what was needed on this rainy day to start me thinking about the meaning of this time of year, and to point my heart to worship.

O Little Town of Bethlehem
Phillips Brooks

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie
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 wond'ring love.
O 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 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.

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 Emmanuel!