The Presbyterian Hymnal ‎#57

57. The Snow Lay on the Ground

1 The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright,
When Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night.
Venite adoremus Dominum. Venite adoremus Dominum.

Refrain:
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Venite adoremus Dominum.

2 'Twas gentle Mary maid, so young and strong,
Who welcomed here the Christchild with a song.
She laid Him in a stall at Bethlehem;
The ass and oxen shared the roof with them. (Refrain)

3 Saint Joseph, too, was by to tend the Child,
To guard him, and protect His mother mild.
The angels hovered round and sang this song:
Venite adoremus Dominum. (Refrain)

4 And thus that manger poor became a throne;
For He whom Mary bore was God the Son.
O come, then, let us join the heavenly host;
To praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. (Refrain)

Text Information

• First Line: The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright
• Title: The Snow Lay on the Ground
• Refrain First Line: Venite adoremus Dominum
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 with refrain
• Language: English; Latin
• Publication Date: 1990
• Source: Anglo-Irish carol; alt

Tune Information

• Name: VENITE ADOREMUS
• Adapter: C. Winfred Douglas
• Harmonizer: Leo Sowerby (1941)
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 with refrain
• Key: G Major
• Copyright: Harmonization © 1941. Used by permissionof Ronald Stalford, executor of the estate of Leo Sowerby.