127. A virgin most pure, as the prophets did tell

1 A virgin most pure, as the prophets did tell,
Hath brought forth a Savior, as it hath befell,
To be our Redeemer, from death, hell and sin,
Which Adam’s transgression has wrappéd us in.

Refrain:
Rejoice and be merry, set sorrow aside,
Christ Jesus, our Savior, was born on this tide.

2 In Bethlehem city in Judah it was
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And there to be taxéd, with many one more,
For Caesar commanded the same should be so. [Refrain]

3 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 procure in the inn no lodging at all. [Refrain]

4 Then were they constrained in a stable to lie,
Where oxen and asses they used to tie;
Their lodging so simple, they held it no scorn,
But against the next morning our Savior was born. [Refrain]

5 The King of glory to this world being brought,
Small store of fine linen to wrap Him was sought;
When Mary had swaddled her young Son so sweet,
Within an ox manger she laid Him to sleep. [Refrain]

6 Then God sent an angel from heaven so high
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie,
And charged them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Savior was born on this day. [Refrain]

7 Then presently after the shepherds did spy
A number of angels appear in the sky,
Who joyfully talkéd and sweetly did sing,
"To God be all glory, our heavenly King." [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: A virgin most pure, as the prophets did tell
Author: Anon.
Refrain First Line: Rejoice and be merry, set sorrow aside
Publication Date: 1918
Topic: Christmas
Notes: Tune: CAROL (Traditional)
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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