Christmas Carols - 7

Here we have a lovely display of winter foliage and berries on a window ledge in the church at Ham.



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:

O the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
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 Saviour:

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good:

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day at dawn:

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all:

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:

O the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

A fun carol - with a serious message!