Oxford Book of Carols ‎#1a

1a. Christmas Eve

1. The Lord at first did Adam make
Out of the dust and clay,
And in his nostrils breathèd life,
E'en as the Scriptures say.
And then in Eden's paradise He placèd him to dwell,
That he within it should remain,
To dress and keep it well:

[Refrain]
Now let good Christians all begin
An holy life to live,
And to rejoice and merry be,
For this is Christmas Eve.

2. Now mark the goodness of the Lord,
Which he for mankind bore;
His mercy soon he did extend,
Lost man for to restore;
And then, for to redeem our souls
From death and hellish thrall,
He said his own dear Son should be
The Saviour of us all:

3. Now for the blessings we enjoy,
Which are from heaven above,
Let us renounce all wickedness,
And live in perfect love:
Then we shall do Christ's own command,
E'en his own written word;
And when we die, in heaven shall
Enjoy our living Lord:

4. And now the tide is nigh at hand,
In which our Saviour came;
Let us rejoice and merry be
In keeping of the same;
Let's feed the poor and hungry souls,
And such as do it crave;
And when we die, in heaven we
Our sure reward shall have:

Text Information

• First Line: The Lord at first did Adam make
• Title: Christmas Eve
• Refrain First Line: Now let good Christians all begin
• Publication Date: 1928
• Source: Some Ancient Christmas Carols, 1822

Tune Information

• Name: [The Lord at first did Adam make]
• Source: Davies Gilbert, Some Ancient Christmas Carols, 1822