1. Let all that are to mirth inclin'd,
Consider well, and bear in mind,
What our good God for us has done,
In sending his beloved Son.
[Chorus]
For to redeem our souls from thrall,
Christ is the Saviour of us all.
2. Let all your songs and praises be
Unto His Heavenly Majesty;
And evermore; amongst our mirth
Remember Christ our Saviour's birth [Chorus]
3. The twenty-fifty day of December
We have good cause for to remember:
In Bethlehem upon that morn,
There was the bless'd Messiah born. [Chorus]
4. The night before that happy tide
The spotless virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down
To find some lodging in the town. [Chorus]
5. But mark how all things came to pass!
The inn and lodgings filled was,
That they could find no room at all
But in a silly ox's stall. [Chorus]
6. That night the Virgin Mary mild
Was safe delivered of a child
According unto Heav'n's decree
Man's sweet salvation for to be. [Chorus]
7. Near Bethlehem some Shepherds keep
Their flocks and herds of feeding sheep;
To whom God's Angel did appear,
Which put the shepherds in great fear. [Chorus]
8. Prepare and go, the Angel said,
'To Bethlehem, be not afraid;
There shall you find this blessed morn,
The princely babe, sweet Jesus born.' [Chorus]
9. With thankful heart and joyful mind
The Shepherds went this babe to find,
And as the Heav'nly Angels told,
They did our Saviour Christ behold. [Chorus]
10. Within a manger he was laid;
The Virgin Mary by him staid,
Attending on the Lord of life,
Being both mother, maid, and wife. [Chorus]
11. Three Eastern Wise Men from afar,
Directed by a glorious star;
Came boldly on, and made no stay
Until they came where Jesus lay. [Chorus]
12. And being come unto the place,
Whereas the blessed Messiah was;
They humbly laid before His feet,
Their gifts of gold and odours sweet.
13. See how the Lord of Heaven and earth
Shew'd himself lowly in his birth;
A sweet example for mankind,
To learn to bear an humble mind. [Chorus]
14. No costly robes nor rich attire,
Did Jesus Christ our Lord desire;
No music nor sweet harmony,
Till glorious music from on high [Chorus]
15. Did in melodious manner sing,
Praises unto our heav'nly King;
All honour, glory, might, and pow'r
Be unto Christ our Saviour! [Chorus]
16. If quires of Angels did rejoice,
Well may mankind with heart and voice
Sing praises to the God of Heav'n,
That unto us his Son has given. [Chorus]