| A virgin unspotted, the prophet foretold,
|
| Should bring forth a Saviour, which now we behold,
|
| To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin,
|
| Which Adam’s transgression entangled us in.
|
| Now let us be merry, put sorrow away:
|
| Our Saviour, Christ Jesus, was born on this day.
|
| At Bethlehem city in Jewry, we know,
|
| That Joseph and Mary together did go,
|
| And there to be tallied with many they came,
|
| Since Caesar Augustus commanded the same. |
| Chorus
|
| But when they had entered the city so fair,
|
| A number of people so mighty was there,
|
| That Joseph and Mary, whose substance was small,
|
| Could find in the inn there no lodging at all. |
| Chorus
|
| Then they were constrained in a stable to lie,
|
| Where horses and asses they used for to tie:
|
| Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn,
|
| Before the next morning our Saviour was born. |
| Chorus
|
| The King of all kings to this world having come,
|
| They sought out fine linen to wrap Him in some,
|
| And when she had swaddled her young Son so sweet,
|
| Within an ox manger, she laid Him to sleep. |
| Chorus
|
| Then God sent an angel from Heaven so high,
|
| To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie,
|
| And bade them no longer in darkness to stay,
|
| Because that a Saviour was born on this day. |
| Chorus
|
| Then presently after the shepherds did spy
|
| Vast numbers of angels that covered the sky;
|
| They joyfully cried out and sweetly did sing,
|
| To God be all glory, our heavenly King. |
| Chorus
|
| To teach us humility all this was done;
|
| We learn haughty pride and resentment to shun:
|
| A manger His cradle who came from above,
|
| The great God of mercy, of peace, and of love. |
| Chorus |