Thy Strong Word — Countdown to Christmas: LSB 361: O Little Town of Bethlehem

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The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

It’s time to head into Bethlehem with hymn LSB 361: “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Written by an Episcopal Priest inspired by his own visit to Bethlehem in 1865, this contemplative and peaceful carol has become one of the most popular Christmas hymns of our time. Come learn how this Christmas hymn urges us to reflect on the birth of Jesus. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/361

Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

Lutheran Service Book 361

1 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.

2 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 all the earth!

3 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.

4 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 Immanuel!

Text Information
First Line: O little town of Bethlehem
Title: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Author: Phillips Brooks, 1835-93
Meter: 86 86 76 86
Language: English
Publication Date: 2006
Scripture: Luke 2:1-15; Luke 1:68-75; Ephesians 3:16-19; Micah 5:2
Notes: Alternate tune: FOREST GREEN

Tune Information
Name: ST. LOUIS
Composer: Lewis H. Redner, 1831-1908
Meter: 86 86 76 86
Key: F Major
Source: Service Book and Hymnal, 1958, alt. (Setting)

Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/361