The main idea/message of the hymn: God's magnificent, ancient promise to send the Savior is fulfilled in the most ordinary way. God still works this way in the lives of people!

THE HYMN STORY
- Written by Phillip Brooks in 1868
- Inspired by a trip to the Holy Land
- Poem set to music by Organist Lewis Redner
- Originally had 5 verses, most hymnals retain 4 verses

THE "SIGNIFICANCE" OF BETHLEHEM IN SCRIPTURE
- Rachel died there (Gen. 35)
- Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz lived there (Ruth)
- David came from there (1 Sam. 16-17)
- Micah prophesied Messiah would be born there (Mic. 5:2)

ANALYZING AND APPLYING THE HYMN THIS ADVENT

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.