The Church Hymnal ‎#650

650. Christ was born on Christmas day

1 Christ was born on Christmas day;
Wreathe the holly, twine the bay;
Christus natus hodie;
The Babe, the Son, the Holy One of Mary.

2 He is born to set us free,
He is born our Lord to be,
Ex Maria Virgine;
The God, the Lord, by all adored for ever.

3 Let the bright red berries glow,
Everywhere in goodly show;
Christus natus hodie:
The Babe, the Son, the Holy One of Mary.

4 Christian men, rejoice and sing;
'T is the birthday of a King.
Ex Maria Virgine;
The God, the Lord, by all adored for ever.

5 Night of sadness; morn of gladness,
Evermore: Ever, ever;
After many troubles sore;
Morn of gladness, evermore and evermore.

6 Midnight scarcely pass'd and over,
Drawing to this holy morn,
Very early, very early,
Christ was born.

7 Sing out with bliss,
His Name is this:
Emmanuel:
As was foretold in days of old by Gabriel.

Text Information

• First Line: Christ was born on Christmas day
• Author: Anon.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1920
• Topic: Youth and School Life: Carols

Tune Information

• Name: [Christ was born on Christmas day]
• Key: F Major or modal
• Source: Traditional