As with any piece of art, it can be interpreted in different ways by different people. For me, I am reminded of one of my favourite Christmas songs, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” This hymn was one of many I memorized over the years for my Sunday school Christmas program.
In fact, Phillips Brooks composed the song with children in mind. He wrote it in December 1868 for the Sunday school children of his parish in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Three years earlier, Brooks had pilgrimaged to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. He brought back that imagery in his mind and put it in a form for all to visualize.
The hymn is a wonderful way to set the stage for a Christmas program, as it describes the quiet town asleep, unaware of the miracle that will soon take place. While all was dark, an everlasting light entered this world.
O Little Town of 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 tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary,
and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together,
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the king,
and peace to all 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.
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.
Through the verses, we invite Christ to enter our hearts, even at our deepest, darkest hours, to give us light, hope and promise of an everlasting life in heaven.
May the light of our Saviour not only shine on the dark streets of Bethlehem but also in your hearts this holiday season.
Merry Christmas to you, your family and your farm. 
-
Karen Lee
- Editor
- Progressive Dairyman
- Email Karen Lee
