A virgin unspotted, the prophet foretold
Should bring forth a Savior, which now we behold
To be our Redeemer from death, hell, and sin
Which Adam’s transgression entangled us in
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this day
At Bethlehem city in Jewry it was
That Joseph and Mary together did pass
All for to be taxèd with many one moe
Great Caesar commanded the same should be so
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this day
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
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this day
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 Savior was born
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this day
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
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this day
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
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this day
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
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this day
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
Then let us be merry, put sorrow away
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this day
Other William Billings songs:
all William Billings songs all songs from 2020