O Little Town of Bethlehem

Author – Phillips Brooks (1835–1893)
Composer – Lewis H. Redner (1831–1908)
Tune Name – St. Louis
Meter – 8.6.8.6.7.6.8.6
Scripture Reference – Luke 2:4
"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem..." — Luke 2:4 (KJV)

One of the most cherished Christmas carols of all time, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was penned by one of America’s most revered preachers, Phillips Brooks. Often referred to as the “Prince of the Pulpit,” Brooks was known for his eloquent oratory, passionate preaching, and profound influence on American Protestantism during the 19th century. His published sermons became widely read, earning him literary and spiritual admiration alike. Few ministers in American history have captured the hearts of people through both the spoken and written word as effectively as Brooks.

The inspiration for this hymn was born from a deeply moving personal experience. In 1865, Brooks traveled to the Holy Land and spent Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. Attending a worship service in the Church of the Nativity—traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus—left a lasting impression on him. The solemnity and wonder of that night in Bethlehem would remain vivid in his mind. Three years later, while serving as rector of Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia, he sought a new Christmas carol for the Sunday School children to sing. Remembering that sacred night in the Holy Land, Brooks wrote the tender and reflective lines of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

After completing the text, Brooks handed it to his organist and Sunday School superintendent, Lewis H. Redner, asking him to compose a melody suitable for children. Redner, a respected church musician and devoted Christian leader in the Philadelphia area, wrestled with the task for several days. On the night before the children’s program, Redner suddenly awoke from sleep with a melody in his mind. He quickly wrote it down, and the tune—named “St. Louis”—was born. Redner always insisted that the music came to him as a gift from heaven. The carol made its debut during that Sunday School Christmas program in 1868, and it was immediately beloved by the children and congregation alike. Its popularity quickly spread, and the hymn was first published in 1874. Though Brooks wrote several other Christmas and Easter carols for children, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is the only one to endure in widespread use.

Phillips Brooks was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1835. A graduate of Harvard University and the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia, he began his pastoral ministry in 1859. He served at churches in Philadelphia for a decade before returning to Boston to pastor Trinity Church from 1869 to 1891. In the final years of his life, he was appointed Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. His sudden death in 1893 was widely mourned.

Brooks was a man of imposing stature—standing 6 feet 6 inches tall—and equally large in intellect and compassion. His dynamic preaching, often delivered at a rapid pace of 250 words per minute, was instrumental in combating the growing influence of Unitarianism in New England. Even Harvard University, which had largely embraced Unitarian theology, was deeply stirred by his preaching. Despite never marrying, Brooks had a special affection for children. His study was known to be filled with toys and objects to entertain young visitors, and it was not uncommon to see the towering preacher sitting on the floor playing and chatting with a group of children. His warmth and accessibility left a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who knew him.

One touching story from shortly after his death illustrates the affection he inspired. A five-year-old girl, saddened by not seeing her beloved preacher for several days, asked her mother about him. When told that Bishop Brooks had gone to heaven, the child replied with innocent joy, “Oh, Mama, how happy the angels will be.”

Through the timeless message and gentle melody of “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” the legacy of Phillips Brooks continues to bring peace and wonder to worshippers around the world each Christmas season.