O' Little Town of Bethlehem

The words

A quiet town sleeps under the stars on the night a holy child is born there.

The hymn looks on Bethlehem at night, still and silent, as the birth of Christ takes place unnoticed by the world. Later verses turn the scene into a prayer that the same presence might be born in the believer's heart. It is hushed and contemplative throughout. Dylan sings it simply with a choir, ending the album in reverence rather than celebration.

Words by Phillips Brooks