A virgin most holy as prophets do tell
1 A virgin most holy as prophets do tell
has brought forth a baby among us to dwell,
to be our redeemer from death and from sin,
which Adam's transgression had caught us all in.
And therefore be merry
rejoice and be merry,
make music and sing,
for Jesus our saviour is born to be king!
2 At Bethlehem Judah, a city renowned,
both Mary and Joseph his parents were found;
they came to be counted, with other folk too,
as Caesar Augustus had said they should do.
3 But when they had entered the city so fair,
they could not get shelter, for many were there;
and Joseph and Mary, whose substance was small,
could find at the inn there no lodging at all.
4 Then were they obliged in a stable to sleep,
where travellers horses and donkeys did keep;
they had there poor comfort and slept on the hay,
but Mary bore Jesus, our Saviour, next day.
Version of an anonymous English text by Word and Music (Michael Perry (1942 - 1996))
© Word and Music/Jubilate Hymns
11 11 11 11 Anapaestic and Refrain
