Universalis

Saturday, 10 January 2009

The holly and the ivy



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 of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well 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 of the choir

There is some excellent teaching in this simple Christmas carol!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's a great thing to celebrate Christmas throughout the Christmas Season.

As a child, when I was a Protestant, I recall the feelings I had on December 26. All the buiding of anticipation for only one day. It did not have to be so!

Peter Simpson said...

Although the Christmas Season finishes on 11 January this year, I like to keep a hint of the season right through to Candlemas! I always keep my crib up at home for the 40 days.

By the way, I have only just discovered your blog - it is most impressive.