Hymn Lyrics

PLEASE NOTE: Not all verses may be sung and words may vary in the particular hymn presentation.

The Wexford Carol
Words: Possibly 12th Century Irish or English Carol
Music: The Wexford Carol | Possibly 12th Century Irish or English Carol
1. Good people all, this Christmas-time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending His belovèd Son.
With Mary holy we should pray
To God with love this Christmas day;
In Bethlehem upon that morn
There was a blest Messiah born.

2. The night before that happy tide
The noble Virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down
To find a lodging in the town.
But mark how all things came to pass;
From every door repelled alas!
As long foretold, their refuge all
Was but an humble ox’s stall.

3. Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep;
To whom God’s angels did appear,
Which put the shepherds in great fear.
“Prepare and go.” the angels said.
“To Bethlehem, be not afraid;
For there you’ll find, this happy morn,
A princely babe, sweet Jesus born.”

4. With thankful heart and joyful mind,
The shepherds went the babe to find,
And as God’s angel had foretold,
They did our Saviour Christ behold.
Within a manger He was laid,
And by His side the virgin maid,
Attending on the Lord of life,
Who came on earth to end all strife.

5. There were three wise men from afar
Directed by a glorious star,
And on they wandered night and day
Until they came where Jesus lay,
And when they came unto that place
Where our belovèd Messiah was,
They humbly cast them at his feet,
With gifts of gold and incense sweet.