40 Christmas Carols
In This Section:
Compiled by Timothy Laurio, AmblesideOnline Year 10; revised in 2010. Some songs have an asterisk by the title; if you're unfamiliar with a particular song, click the asterisk to hear the song on YouTube. Where songs were not found on YouTube, mp3 files were provided for learning purposes, courtesy of Tim Laurio, Hannah Hoyt, and Drew Hoyt.
You can download a 2-column 16-page copy of these lyrics in OpenOffice, or as a pdf file. If you don't want all the verses, you can download an abbreviated 8-page version that has all the songs, but only two verses from each: OpenOffice, or as a pdf.
01 - Angels From The Realms Of Glory * *
02 - Angels We Have Heard On High *
03 - Away In A Manger *
04 - The Babe in Bethlehem's Manger Laid (mp3)
05 - Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella *
06 - Carol of the Bells *
07 - The Coventry Carol *
08 - Deck The Halls
09 - Ding Dong Merrily on High *
10 - Ditchling Carol (mp3)
11 - The First Noel
12 - The Friendly Beasts *
13 - Go Tell It on the Mountain
14 - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
15 - Good Christian Men Rejoice *
16 - Good King Wenceslas *
17 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
18 - He Is Born, The Heav'nly Child/Il est ne, le divin enfant *
19 - The Holly and the Ivy *
20 - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day * *
21 - I Saw Three Ships *
22 - In The Bleak Midwinter *
23 - It Came Upon a Midnight Clear * *
24 - Jingle Bells
25 - Joy To The World
26 - Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming *
27 - O Christmas Tree
28 - O Come, All Ye Faithful
29 - O Come, O Come Emmanuel *
30 - O Holy Night * *
31 - O Little Town Of Bethlehem
32 - Once in Royal David's City *
33 - Silent Night
34 - Sing We Now of Christmas *
35 - Sleep, Sleep, Sleep My Little Child a Christmas round (mp3)
36 - Star of the East *
37 - Sussex Carol *
38 - We Three Kings of Orient Are
39 - What Child Is This?
40 - The Wexford Carol * *
01 - Angels From The Realms Of Glory * *
Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye, who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth;
Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing;
Yonder shines the Infant Light;
Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star;
Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear;
Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
02 - Angels We Have Heard On High *
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
03 - Away In A Manger *
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
04 - The Babe in Bethlehem's Manger Laid (mp3)
The Babe in Bethlehem's manger laid,
In humble form so low;
By wond'ring angels is surveyed
Thro' all His times of woe.
Noel, Noel,
Let us sing of the Saviour's birth,
All hail His coming down to earth,
Who raises us to heav'n.
A Saviour! sinners all around,
Sing! spread the wondrous word!
Let ev'ry one of us hail the sound,
A Saviour! Christ the Lord!
Noel, Noel,
Let us sing of the Saviour's birth,
All hail His coming down to earth,
Who raises us to heav'n.
For not to sit on David's throne
With worldly pomp and joy,
He came for sinners to atone
And Satan to destroy.
Noel, Noel,
Let us sing of the Saviour's birth,
All hail His coming down to earth,
Who raises us to heav'n.
To preach the word of Life Divine
And feed with living bread,
To heal the sick with hand benign,
And raise to life the dead.
Noel, Noel,
Let us sing of the Saviour's birth,
All hail His coming down to earth,
Who raises us to heav'n.
He preached, He suffered, He bled and died,
Uplift 'twixt earth and skies;
In sinners' stead, He was crucified,
For sin, great sacrifice.
Noel, Noel,
Let us sing of the Saviour's birth,
All hail His coming down to earth,
Who raises us to heav'n.
Well may we sing a Saviour's birth,
Who need His grace so giv'n,
And hail His coming down to earth,
Who raises us to heav'n.
Noel, Noel,
Let us sing of the Saviour's birth,
All hail His coming down to earth,
Who raises us to heav'n.
05 - Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella *
Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Bring a torch, come swiftly and run.
Christ is born, good folk of the village,
Christ is born, and Mary's calling,
Ah, ah, beautiful is the Mother,
Ah, ah, beautiful is her Son.
Hasten now, good folk of the village,
Hasten now, the Christ Child to see.
You will find Him asleep in a manger,
Quietly come and whisper softly,
Hush, hush, peacefully now He slumbers,
Hush, hush, peacefully now He sleeps.
06 - Carol of the Bells *
Hark! how the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say,
"Throw cares away."
Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong
That is their song
With joyful ring
All caroling
One seems to hear
Words of good cheer
From ev'rywhere
Filling the air
Oh how they pound,
Raising the sound,
O'er hill and dale,
Telling their tale,
Gaily they ring
While people sing
Songs of good cheer
Christmas is here
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas
On, on they send
On without end
Their joyful tone
To ev'ry home
Ding, dong, ding, dong.
07 - Coventry Carol *
Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
By, by, lully, lullay.
Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.
By, by, lully, lullay.
O sisters, too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day;
This poor Youngling for whom we sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.
Herod the King, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day;
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young, to slay.
That woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,
And ever morn and day;
For Thy parting, neither say nor sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.
08 - Deck The Halls
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la...
Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la...
Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la laa.
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la laa.
See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la...
Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la...
Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la...
While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la...
Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la...
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la...
Sing we joyous all together, Fa la la la la...
Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la...
09 - Ding Dong Merrily on High *
Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
10 - Ditchling Carol (mp3)
Be merry all, be merry all.
With holly deck the festive hall.
Prepare the song, the feast, the hall
To welcome merry Christmas.
And all remember, gentles gay:
For you who bask in fortune's ray
The year is all a holiday.
The poor have only Christmas.
You who in velvet mantle go,
Defy December's tempest's roar.
Oh, spare one garment from your store
To clothe the poor at Christmas.
And all remember, gentles gay:
For you who bask in fortune's ray
The year is all a holiday.
The poor have only Christmas.
You who the costly banquet deal
To friends who never famine feel,
Oh, spare one morsel from your meal
To feed the poor at Christmas.
And all remember, gentles gay:
For you who bask in fortune's ray
The year is all a holiday.
The poor have only Christmas.
With blazing logs of fuel the while,
Your homes are within summer's smile.
Oh, spare one log from off your pile
To warm the poor at Christmas.
And all remember, gentles gay:
For you who bask in fortune's ray
The year is all a holiday.
The poor have only Christmas.
So shall each note of mirth appear
More sweet to Heaven than praise or prayer,
And angels in their carols there
Shall bless the poor at Christmas.
And all remember, gentles gay:
For you who bask in fortune's ray
The year is all a holiday.
The poor have only Christmas.
11 - The First Noel
The first noel the Angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay.
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
They look-ed up and saw a star
Shining in the East, beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued, both day and night.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
And by the light of that same Star
Three Wise Men came from country far,
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the Star wherever it went.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
This Star drew nigh to the North West;
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest.
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
Then did they know assuredly
Within that house, the King did lie
One entered in then for to see
And found the babe in poverty.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
Then entered in those Wise Men three,
Full reverently upon bended knee,
And offer'd there, in his presence,
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
Between an ox stall and an ass,
This Child truly there he was;
For want of clothing they did him lay
All in a manger, among the hay.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
If we in our time shall do well
We shall be free from death and Hell
For God hath prepared for us all
A resting place in general.
Noel, noel, noel, noel.
Born is the King of Israel.
12 - The Friendly Beasts *
Jesus our brother strong and good
Was humbly born in a stable rude.
And the friendly beasts around him stood
Jesus our brother, strong and good.
I, said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
I carried his mother uphill and down
I carried his mother to Bethlehem town.
I, said the donkey, all shaggy and brown.
I, said the cow, all white and red
I gave him my manger for his bed
I gave him my hay to pillow his head.
I, said the cow, all white and red
I, said the sheep, with curly horn,
I gave him my wool for His blanket warm
He wore my coat on Christmas morn.
I, said the sheep, with curly horn.
I, said the camel, yellow and black,
Over the desert, upon my back,
I brought Him a gift in the Wise Men's pack.
I, said the camel, yellow and black.
I, said the dove, from the rafters high
I cooed him to sleep so He should not cry
We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I
I, said the dove, from the rafters high.
Thus all the beasts, by some good spell
In the stable dark were glad to tell
Of the gift they gave Emmanuel
The gift they gave Emmanuel
13 - Go Tell It on the Mountain
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
While shepherds kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night,
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo! above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior's birth;
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born;
And God sent us salvation
That bless-ed Christmas morn.
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
When I was a seeker
I sought both night and day
I sought the Lord to help me
And He showed me the way.
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
He made me a watchman
Upon the city wall
And if I am a Christian
I am the least of all.
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
14 - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
For Jesus Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
In Bethlehem in Israel
This bless-ed babe was born,
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn;
The which his mother Mary
Nothing did take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our Heav'nly Father
A bless-ed Angel came,
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
"Fear not, then" said the Angel,
"Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Savior
Of virtue, power and might;
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
The Shepherds at those tidings
Rejoic-ed much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway,
This bless-ed babe to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
But when to Bethlehem they came,
Whereas this infant lay,
They found him in a manger
Where oxen feed on hay,
His mother Mary kneeling
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All others doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
15 - Good Christian Men Rejoice *
Good Christian men rejoice
With heart and soul and voice!
Give ye heed to what we say
News! News!
Jesus Christ is born today!
Ox and ass before Him bow
And He is in the manger now
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye hear of endless bliss
Joy! Joy!
Jesus Christ was born for this
He hath ope'd the heav'nly door
And man is blessed evermore
Christ was born for this
Christ was born for this
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace!
Jesus Christ was born to save
Calls you one and calls you all
To gain His everlasting hall
Christ was born to save
Christ was born to save
16 - Good King Wenceslas *
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night,
Though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gathering winter fuel.
"Hither, page, and stand by me,
If you know it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence,
By Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me food and bring me wine,
Bring me pine logs hither,
You and I will see him dine,
When we bear them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went,
Forth they went together,
Through the cold wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather.
"Sire, the night is darker now,
And the wind blows stronger,
Fails my heart, I know not how;
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page,
Tread now in them boldly,
You shall find the winter's rage
Freeze your blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
You who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.
17 - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! the Herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King,
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconcil'd.
Joyful all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With the angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! the Herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
Christ, by highest Heav'n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a Virgin's womb.
Veil'd in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th' Incarnate Deity,
Pleased as Man with man to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel!
Hark! the Herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace,
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His Wings.
Mild He lays His Glory by,
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the Herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
Come, Desire of nations come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Oh, to all Thyself impart,
Formed in each believing heart!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new-born king;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Hark! the Herald Angels sing,
Glory to the new-born King.
18 - He Is Born, The Heav'nly Child (French: "Il est ne, le divin enfant") *
He is born, the heav'nly child,
Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding.
He is born, the heav'nly child.
Let all sing his nativity.
'Tis four thousand years and more,
Prophets have foretold His coming,
'Tis four thousand years and more,
Have we waited this happy hour.
He is born, the heav'nly child,
Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding.
He is born, the heav'nly child.
Let all sing his nativity.
Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair,
What perfection is his graces,
Ah, how lovely, Ah, how fair.
Child divine, so gentle there.
He is born, the heav'nly child,
Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding.
He is born, the heav'nly child.
Let all sing his nativity..
In a stable lodged is he,
Straw is all he has for cradle.
In a stable lodged is he,
Oh how great humility!
He is born, the heav'nly child,
Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding.
He is born, the heav'nly child.
Let all sing his nativity.
Jesus Lord, O King with power,
Though a little babe you come here,
Jesus Lord, O King with power,
Rule o'er us from this glad hour.
He is born, the heav'nly child,
Oboes play; set bagpipes sounding.
He is born, the heav'nly child.
Let all sing his nativity.
19 - The Holly and the Ivy *
The version of this carol that we are familiar with today was first published by Cecil Sharp. The Holly and the Ivy is thought to have Pagan origins and could therefore date back over 1000 years. It is most unusual for a carol like the Holly and the Ivy to have survived over the years, especially during the strict Protestant period of the 17th century.
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown.
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Savior.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
Sweet singing in the choir.
20 - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day * *
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head
'There is no peace on earth,' I said,
'For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.'
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.'
Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
21 - I Saw Three Ships *
I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas day in the morning.
Our Savior Christ and his lady
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Our Savior Christ and his lady,
On Christmas day in the morning.
Pray whither sailed those ships all three?
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Pray whither sailed those ships all three?
On Christmas day in the morning.
Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice, amain,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Then let us all rejoice, amain,
On Christmas day in the morning.
22 - In The Bleak Midwinter *
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter, long ago.
Our God, Heav'n cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heav'n and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved with a kiss.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.
23 - It Came Upon a Midnight Clear * *
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
'Peace on the earth, good will to men,'
From heaven's all-gracious King.
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing!
Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long,
Beneath the angel strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love song which they bring:
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing!
Still thro' the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurl'd;
And still their heav'nly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hov'ring wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
All ye, beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look, now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!
For lo! the days are hast'ning on,
By prophet bards foretold,
When with the ever-circling years
Comes round the age of gold;
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world give back the song
Which now the angels sing!
24 - Jingle Bells
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bob tails ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
A day or two ago
I thought I'd take a ride
And soon Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed his lot
We got into a drifted bank
And then we got upsot
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
A day or two ago,
The story I must tell
I went out on the snow,
And on my back I fell;
A gent was riding by
In a one-horse open sleigh,
He laughed as there I sprawling lie,
But quickly drove away.
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Now the ground is white
Go it while you're young,
Take the girls tonight
and sing this sleighing song;
Just get a bobtailed bay
Two forty as his speed:
Hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack! you'll take the lead.
Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh
25 - Joy To The World
Joy to the world! The Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room;
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and nature sing.
And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ.
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
No more let sin and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness.
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
26 - Lo, how a Rose e'er Blooming *
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
From Jesse's lineage coming,
As men of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright,
Amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it,
The Virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright,
She bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.
The shepherds heard the story
Proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of Glory
Was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped
And in the manger found Him,
As angel heralds said.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere;
True Man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.
O Savior, Child of Mary,
Who felt our human woe,
O Savior, King of glory,
Who dost our weakness know;
Bring us at length we pray,
To the bright courts of Heaven,
And to the endless day!
27 - O Christmas Tree
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
28 - O Come, All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
Come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal,
Lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb;
Son of the Father, begotten, not created;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
Sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,
We would embrace Thee, with love and awe;
Who would not love Thee, loving us so dearly?
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be glory giv'n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
29 - O Come, O Come Emmanuel *
O come, O come Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Oh, come, oh, come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In Ancient times once gave the law
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Oh, come, strong branch of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Oh, come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav'nly home:
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O Come Thou Dayspring, from on high
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O holy night, O night divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O holy night, O night divine.
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O holy night, O night divine.
31 - 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 wond'ring love
O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav'n
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.
32 - Once in Royal David's City *
Once in royal David's city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.
He came down to earth from Heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
And, through all His wondrous childhood,
He would honour and obey,
Love and watch the lowly maiden,
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He.
For He is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us He grew;
He was little, weak and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love,
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in Heav'n above,
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in Heaven,
Set at God's right hand on high;
Where like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.
33 - Silent Night
Silent night, Holy night.
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, Holy night.
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heav'nly hosts sing "Alleluia.
Christ the Savior is born.
Christ the Savior is born."
Silent Night, Holy Night.
Son of God, love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face.
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is here,
Jesus the Savior is here!
34 - Sing We Now of Christmas *
Sing we now of Christmas,
Noel sing we here.
Sing our grateful praises
To the maid so dear.
Sing we Noel!
The King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas.
Sing we here, Noel!
From the Eastern kingdoms
Come the wise men far.
Bearing ancient treasure,
Following yonder star.
Sing we Noel!
The King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas.
Sing we here, Noel!
From the distant mountains,
Hear the trumpet sound.
With angelic blessings
On the silent town.
Sing we Noel!
The King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas.
Sing we here, Noel!
Come let us surround Him
On this magic night.
Gather here around Him,
Wondrous Babe of light.
Sing we Noel!
The King is born, Noel!
Sing we now of Christmas.
Sing we here, Noel!
35 - Sleep, Sleep, Sleep My Little Child (mp3)
Here betwixt ass and oxen mild,
Sleep, sleep, sleep my little child.
Angels from on high
Hover in the sky,
Keeping watch above
The incarnate God of love.
Here in the crib, secure from harm,
Sleep, sleep in your mother's arms.
Angels from on high
Hover in the sky,
Keeping watch above
The incarnate God of love.
Here betwixt rose and lily white,
Sleep, sleep, sleep my son tonight.
Angels from on high
Hover in the sky,
Keeping watch above
The incarnate God of love.
On this fair night of holy joy,
Sleep, sleep, sleep, my little boy.
Angels from on high
Hover in the sky,
Keeping watch above
The incarnate God of love.
36 - Star of the East *
Star of the East, oh Bethlehem's star,
Guiding us on to heaven afar
Sorrow and grief and lull'd by the light
Thou hope of each mortal, in death's lonely night.
Fearless and tranquil, we look up to Thee
Knowing thou beam'st through eternity
Help us to follow where Thou still dost guide
Pilgrims of earth so wise.
Star of the East, thou hope of the soul
While round us here the dark billows roll
Lead us from sin to glory afar
Thou star of the East, thou sweet Bethlehem's star.
Fearless and tranquil, we look up to Thee
Knowing thou beam'st through eternity
Help us to follow where Thou still dost guide
Pilgrims of earth so wise.
Star of the East, oh Bethlehem's star,
What tho' the storms of riot gather loud
Faithful and pure thy rays beam to save
And bright o'er the grave.
Fearless and tranquil, we look up to Thee
Knowing thou beam'st through eternity
Help us to follow where Thou still dost guide
Pilgrims of earth so wise.
Smile of a Savior are mirror'd in Thee
Glimpses of Heav'n in thy light we see
Guide us still onward to that blessed shore
After earth toil is o'er.
Fearless and tranquil, we look up to Thee
Knowing thou beam'st through eternity
Help us to follow where Thou still dost guide
Pilgrims of earth so wise.
Star of the East, thou hope of the soul
Oh star that leads to God above
Whose rays are peace and joy and love
Watch o'er us still till life hath ceased
Beam on, bright star, sweet Bethlehem star.
Fearless and tranquil, we look up to Thee
Knowing thou beam'st through eternity
Help us to follow where Thou still dost guide
Pilgrims of earth so wise.
37 - Sussex Carol *
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring.
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring.
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our merciful King's birth.
Then why should men on earth be so sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad?
Then why should men on earth be so sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad,
When from our sin he set us free,
All for to gain our liberty?
When sin departs before His grace,
Then life and health come in its place.
When sin departs before His grace,
Then life and health come in its place.
Angels and men with joy may sing
All for to see the new-born King.
All out of darkness we have light,
Which made the angels sing this night.
All out of darkness we have light,
Which made the angels sing this night:
"Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and for evermore, Amen!"
38 - We Three Kings of Orient Are
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.
Melchior:
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold we bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.
Balthasar:
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising voices raising,
Worshiping God on high.
Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.
Gaspar:
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume;
Breathes a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.
3 Kings:
Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice.
Heav'n sings "Halleluiah!";
"Hallelujah!" earth replies.
Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light..
39 - What Child Is This?
What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done,
In sending His beloved Son.
With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas Day;
In Bethlehem upon that morn
There was a blessed Messiah born.
The night before that happy tide
The noble virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down
To find a lodging in the town.
But mark how all things came to pass:
From every door repelled, alas!
As long foretold, their refuge all
Was but a humble ox's stall.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep;
To whom God's angels did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear.
"Prepare and go", the angels said,
"To Bethlehem, be not afraid;
For there you'll find, this happy morn,
A princely Babe, sweet Jesus born."
With thankful heart and joyful mind,
The shepherds went the babe to find,
And as God's angel has foretold,
They did our Saviour Christ behold.
Within a manger He was laid,
And by His side the virgin maid
Attending to the Lord of Life,
Who came on earth to end all strife.
There were three wise men from afar
Directed by a glorious star
And on they wandered night and day
Until they came where Jesus lay,
And when they came unto that place
Where our beloved Messiah was,
They humbly cast them at his feet,
With gifts of gold and incense sweet.