close down your eyes and listen for the bell . Imagine the snowfall falling softly in the intimate glow of eventide . Expect the smell of evergreen . You ’ve arrived at a place somewhere between your meat and individual : the world ofChristmassongs .
If you ’ve yet to discover the stories behind some of the Christmas criterion you ’ve been learn – and playing and telling – your entire living , you ’re in for a treat . Some of the carols you will read about in this clause are steeped in the mystery of medieval chants .
Others began as church building sermon , prayer , or speculation . From famed Graeco-Roman composer to pop lyricist , from Broadway theater producer to simple pastors , the lyricists and composer let in here are filled with the outcome of religion and talent – rich melodious gifts that have exceed centuries .
To help guide you though your own Christmas time of year , we ’ve selected a holiday bill of fare of deary – songs you never grow weary of hearing . Learn a bit about how these songs came to reach our ears as you peruse the included histories . We ’ve also include lyrics to each of these Christmas Sung and – for you musicians out there – sheet music that can be downloaded .
All order , we cover 35 Christmas Song dynasty in this clause , including :
‘Deck the Halls’
The Hellenic Christmas carol " Deck the Halls " is a dead on target blending of international fashion . Its line is steeped in Welsh custom , but the lyrics were added in 19th - century America when the country was experience a waving of affinity for all things English – especially Charles Dickens ' colourful writings .
The following lyric call back the home - craft decorations of holly , boughs of evergreen , and Christmas florals that were string from pillar to post inside England ’s vault estates . Though harkening back to day of British splendour , this song reminds us of our passion for lavishing our homes with colorful ornamentation to stress the Christmas season .
“Deck the Halls” Lyrics
1.Deck the Hall with boughs of Buddy Holly
Fa la …
' Tis the time of year to be jolly ,
Don we now our homophile apparel
Troll the ancient Noel carol ,
2.See the blazing yule before us ,
Fa Pelican State …
chance upon the harp and join the Greek chorus ,
While I severalise of Christmas treasure .
3.Fast forth the old year passes ,
acclaim the fresh ! Ye fella and jeune fille ;
Sing we joyous all together ,
Heedless of the wind and weather .
Christmas sheet of paper music : " Deck the Halls "
Our next Christmas vocal memorializes a long - bushed loss leader who was so well loved that we still whistle about him . Read on to learn more about " Good King Wenceslas . "
‘Good King Wenceslas’
Though history is ladened with wicked royalty , one titled ruler stands tall : King Wenceslas ( who was actually the Duke of Bohemia ) . His genial heart was silenced by a green-eyed sidekick in 929 , but , century later on , his computer memory coat as the subject of a children ’s song written by John Mason Neale .
To append the utter melody to his tribute , Neale picked an unbelievable Romance line : " Tempus adest floridum " or " Spring has unwrapped her flowers , " first published in a Swedish birdcall collection in 1582 . Its diligence to Neale ’s lyrics proved to be a remarkable tribute to a beloved rule whose forgivingness has never been forgotten .
“Good King Wenceslas” Lyrics
1.Good King Wenceslas looked out ,
On the feast of Stephen ,
When the Charles Percy Snow lie round about ,
rich and crisp and even .
Brightly shone the moon that night ,
Though the freeze was cruel ,
When a inadequate man came in visual modality ,
Gath’ring winter fuel .
2.“Come now , page , and stand up by me ,
I must learn thy tattle ,
Yonder tike , who is he ?
Where and what his home ? "
" Sire he lives a good league hence ,
Underneath the heap ,
decent against the forest fence ,
By Saint Agnes ' natural spring . "
3.“Bring me flesh and bring me wine ,
impart me pine tree logs hither ,
Thou and I shall see him dine ,
When we wear them thither . "
Therefore Christian men , be sure ,
Wealth or rank possessing ,
Ye who now will sanctify the poor ,
Shall yourselves bump blessing .
Christmas sheet music : " Good King Wenceslas "
Children and adult alike can bring together in our next song , a classical Christmas round . Keep reading to learn about " Christmas is Coming . "
‘Christmas Is Coming’
Edith Nesbitt compose the lyrics to this traditional Christmas beat more than a century ago , and the birdsong has been democratic ever since . It prompt us that the Christmas season is one of charity and gift , a time to think of those less fortunate than ourselves .
“Christmas Is Coming” Lyrics
1.Christmas is hail , the goose is getting fat ;
Please to put a penny in the older man ’s chapeau ,
Please to put a centime in the previous man ’s hat .
2.If you have n’t set about a cent , a haypenny will do ;
If you have n’t got a haypenny , well God consecrate you ,
If you have n’t get a haypenny , well God bless you .
Christmas weather sheet music : " Christmas Is Coming "
While most everyone roll in the hay our next Christmas classic , you might have trouble prevent all those verse straight ! Go to the next page to learn more about " The Twelve Days of Christmas . "
‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’
During the Middle Ages , Christmas celebrations in Europe were lift to fresh high when people adopt the custom of give 12 natural endowment to get laid ones , one every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. from Christmas to Epiphany . From the grandest of Maker to the poorest peasants , the custom was celebrated with great exuberance .
" The Twelve years of Christmas " was save sometime during the sixteenth century . Although predominantly about the custom of give profligate gifts , this tune also glorify society ’s passion for " counting birdcall . " Whether singing of favorable ring or juicy goose , even those unable to grease one’s palms such luxuries could hold these lyric as promises of heartfelt gifts to follow during this glittering season of giving .
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” Lyrics
1.On the first mean solar day of Christmas , my true love sent to me :
A partridge in a Pyrus communis tree .
2.On the second day of Christmas , my true love sent to me :
Two turtleneck doves and a ruffed grouse in a Pyrus communis tree diagram .
3.On the third day of Christmas , my true love direct to me :
Three French hens , two turtle dove , and a partridge in a pear tree .
4.On the quaternary day of Christmas , my dead on target love life sent to me :
Four vocation shuttle , three French hen , two turtle doves , and ruffed grouse in a Pyrus communis tree .
5.On the 5th sidereal day of Christmas , my true love get off to me :
Five golden rings , four anticipate birds , three French hens , two turtleneck dove , and a partridge in a pear tree diagram .
6.On the sixth 24-hour interval of Christmas , my true love sent to me :
Six goof a - egg laying …
7.On the seven day of Christmas , my reliable dearest sent to me :
Seven swans a - swim …
8.On the eighth day of Christmas , my reliable love sent to me :
Eight maids a - milking …
9.On the ninth twenty-four hours of Christmas , my true sexual love sent to me :
Nine gentlewoman dance …
10.On the 10th day of Christmas , my true love sent to me :
Ten lord a - leaping …
11.On the eleventh Clarence Shepard Day Jr. of Christmas , my true honey sent to me :
Eleven Piper piping …
12.On the 12th day of Christmas , my dependable beloved sent to me :
Twelve drummers drum …
Christmas rag music : " The Twelve Days of Christmas "
Our next song is considered by some to be one of the most consecrated Christmas anthem . Keep reading to learn more about " Ave Maria . "
‘Ave Maria’
Few consecrated hymn are as universally known as " Ave Maria . " Originally a Roman Catholic appeal , " Ave Maria " was actually derived from scriptural scripture : Luke 1:28 .
The original melody associated with the song ’s first stanza symbolise the miracle of the Annunciation and was deeply rooted in the fashion of tenth - one C liturgical chants .
Franz Schubert orchestrated a present-day reading of the hymn in 1825 . Many people consider " Ave Maria " to be the most sacred of all hymns .
“Ave Maria” Lyrics:
Ave Maria ! Gratia plena .
Christmas sheet music : " Ave Maria "
Christmas caroler in England used to sing from door to door , hop-skip for a sweet reward or , better yet , a cup of wassail . Not sure what wassail is ? Well , we have the reply . Go to the next pageboy to learn more about " Here We get A - Wassailing . " It ’s a vocal that is sure to append some flavor to your holiday time of year .
‘Here We Come A-Wassailing’
Also known as " Here We follow A - Caroling " and " The Wassail Song , " this jolly English ditty is steeped in tradition . conceive of a British cobblestone street ; snow mild in the street lamp ’s glow .
Despite constant hard knocks , beggars and orphan would trip the light fantastic and blab in the street at Christmas , hoping to receive a porc pie , a cent , or some clip in front of a blazing fire in tax return . However , the most prized pittance was a bowl of wassail – which combines ale , wine , and spices – to warm up the heart as well as the soul .
“Here We Come A-Wassailing” Lyrics
1.Here we come a - wassailing
Among the leafage so light-green ;
Here we come a wandering
So fair to be seen .
Love and delight add up to you ,
And to you your wassail too
And God bless you and broadcast you
A Happy New Year .
2.Our wassail cup is made
Of the rosemary Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ,
And so is your beer
Of the good barley .
Love and joy …
3.We are not daily beggars
That implore from door to threshold ,
But we are neighbor ' tike
Whom you have seen before .
4.God bless the master key of this house ,
Likewise the schoolma’am too ,
And all the little child
That round the mesa go .
Christmas sheet music : " Here We Come A - Wassailing "
Our next Christmas carol is an all - prison term Christmas classic , but it pose its jump as a Thanksgiving vocal . See the next Thomas Nelson Page to watch about " Jingle Bells . "
‘Jingle Bells’
Some songs are known for their appeal to adult ; others for their popularity with children . " Jingle Bells " enchants both audiences , but it might surprise you to know that the original music , indite by Boston Sunday shoal teacher James Pierpont , was conceived as a Thanksgiving song in 1857 .
to begin with titled " The One Horse Open Sleigh , " the song was teach by Pierpont to his pupils for a performance and was delighted to obtain that all 40 of them learn its words almost immediately . Declared " a merry jangle " by a close friend , this vacation carol was all right - tuned and performed again at Christmastime , and quickly became a Yuletide classic .
“Jingle Bells” Lyrics
1.Dashing through the snow ,
in a one - gymnastic horse open sleigh ,
O’er the fields we go ,
laugh all the way .
Bells on dock ring ,
have spirits bright ,
What fun it is to ride and babble out
a sleighing song tonight !
Oh ! Jingle bells , jingle bell ,
Jingle all the elbow room !
Oh what fun it is to mount
in a one - sawhorse undefendable sleigh !
2.A sidereal day or two ago
I recall I ’d take a ride ,
And soon Miss Fannie Bright ,
Was seat by my side ,
The horse was lean and lank ,
Misfortune seemed his lot ,
He got into a drifted bank
And then us got upsot !
Oh ! Jingle bells …
Christmas sheet euphony : " Jingle Bells "
There are many taradiddle that conjecture about the origins of the Christmas Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , but just one strain exists that honors the stunner of the trees we decorate every vacation season . On the next page , we leave an overview of " O Christmas Tree . "
‘O Christmas Tree’
folktale describing how evergreen trees came to stand for Christmas can be found in near every culture . Centuries - old lore delineate evergreen plant tree diagram blossom in every woods on earth the night Jesus was comport . It ’s also said that Martin Luther , upon glimpsing the stars twinkling over treetops , sheer an evergreen plant down and lavished it with candles to retroflex the event that he had witness in the forest .
These story are the basis of the ageless German song that praises all trees at Christmas : " O Tannenbaum , " or " O Christmas Tree . " Although its author ’s identity has been lost in the passage of meter , this timeless tune will not be forget .
“O Christmas Tree” Lyrics
O Christmas tree , O Christmas tree ,
How lovely are your branches ,
So greenish and smart in summertime ,
As well as winter ’s snow-clad climate ,
How endearing are your branches .
Christmas rag music : " O Christmas Tree "
‘The Holly and the Ivy’
The song was published in 1861 by Joshua Sylvester , who admitted to its commercial inheritance . Though shower with symbols predate Christianity , this vocal ’s lyric do n’t completely excuse the meaning behind the greenery in its championship .
“The Holly and the Ivy” Lyrics
1.The holly and the ivy ,
When they are both full grown ,
Of all the trees that are in the wood ,
The holly bears the crown :
The rising of the sun ,
And the running of the dear ,
The playing of the merry electric organ ,
sweetened singing in the choir …
2.The holly bears a blossom ,
As blank as lily efflorescence ,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our odoriferous Saviour .
The insurrection of the sun …
3.The holly bears a Chuck Berry ,
As red as any rip ,
To do poor sinners good .
Christmas sheet medicine : " The Holly and the Ivy "
Tchaikovsky ’s ballet " The Nutracker " take some of the best - known vacation music , include our next song . Keep reading to learn about " Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy . "
‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’
When the winter of 1892 stop , the Russian Musical Society prompt composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky of his hope to conceive a fresh concert dance . pay just days to meet this commitment , he combine an existing feeler with several lesser air , complete his ballet , fuck as " The Nutcracker , " on March 19 .
First performed at St. Petersburg ’s Maryinsky Theater the following Christmas , " The Nutcracker " go on to thrill audiences – particularly those thirstily await the concert dance ’s crown jewel : " terpsichore of the Sugar Plum Fairy . "
But there is more to " The Nutcracker " than a ballet . It also has been convert into a write up that makes great version during the holiday season . " The Nutcracker " is the taradiddle of a toy fig that turn into a prince . To read " The Nutcracker , " click here .
Christmas mainsheet euphony : " Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy "
Before our next song came along , no one was quite certain how Santa Claus manage to get inside house to deliver his gift . Now we know he uses the chimney . Not only does " Up on the Housetop " disgorge some worthful light on the working of Santa , but it also is a play call to sing . See the next varlet to learn more about " Up on the " Housetop . "
‘Up on the Housetop’
When Clement Clarke Moore penned " A sojourn From St. Nicholas " as a Christmas entertainment for his children , he in all likelihood had no musical theme that his story would continue to be evidence for hundreds of years . But thanks to its retelling and the fact that Ohio composer and lyricist Benjamin Russell Hanby adjudicate to use it as the inspiration for his vacation tune , the charming tale of Santa ’s one-year visit has been chronicle for all time as " Up on the Housetop . " If Moore had n’t revealed Santa ’s entree point and Hanby had n’t agree , children everywhere might still enquire how all those Christmas presents are fork up !
“Up on the Housetop” Lyrics
1.Up on the housetop the reindeer pause ,
Out start honest old Santa Claus .
Down through the chimney with lot of toy ,
All for small fry ’s Christmas joys .
Ho , ho , ho ! Who would n’t go !
Up on the housetop , click , click , click ,
Down through the chimney with unspoiled Saint Nick .
2.First amount the stocking of piffling Nell ;
Oh , dear Santa , fulfil it well ;
Give her a dolly that laughter and cries ,
One that can open and shut its middle .
3.Look in the stocking of little Bill ;
Oh , just see that glorious fill !
Here is a cock and lots of tacks ,
Whistle and ball and a readiness of jacks .
Christmas sheet euphony : " Up on the Housetop "
Our next song is another Christmas classic about the man in the sled . On the observe Thomas Nelson Page , translate about " Jolly Old Saint Nicholas . "
‘Jolly Old Saint Nicholas’
Does n’t every child dream of ask Santa Claus the following question : " Which presents will be showing up under the Christmas tree this class ? " " Jolly Old Saint Nicholas " is a traditional American Christmas song that adjust that desire to music .
“Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” Lyrics
Jolly sometime Saint Nicholas ,
Lean your ear this room ,
Do n’t you tell a single soul
What I ’m going to say .
Christmas Eve is come soon ,
Now , you costly old man ,
Whisper what you ’ll bring to me ,
secern me if you may .
Christmas sheet euphony : " Jolly Old Saint Nicholas "
American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes name our next anthem " one of the finest and most beautiful ever written . " take about " It Came Upon a Midnight Clear " on the following page .
‘It Came Upon a Midnight Clear’
When Massachusetts Unitarian minister of religion Edmund Hamilton Sears publish his poem " It Came Upon a Midnight Clear " in a Christian church powder magazine , his namelessness came to a resounding ending . The lyric he wrote were now deemed profound by readers , and then set to music by Richard Storrs Willis the following class .
An unlikely collaborator , Willis was an editor in chief and euphony critic for the New York Tribune . Fortuitously , he had also received extensive melodious training in Europe , and his work with Sears acquire a hymn that was deemed " one of the finest and most beautiful ever written , " by American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes .
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” Lyrics
1.It came upon a midnight percipient ,
That glorious call of erstwhile ,
From angel deflect near the earth ,
To touch their harps of amber .
" public security on the earth , good will to homo ,
From Heaven ’s all gracious King . "
The World in solemn stillness lay
To get wind the angels let the cat out of the bag
2.Still through the cloven skies they come ,
With passive backstage unfurled ,
And still their heav’nly music floats
O’er all the weary world .
Above its sad and lowly field
They deflect on hovering wing .
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing .
3.And ye beneath life ’s crush load ,
Whose manikin are bending low ,
Who drudge along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow :
Look now , for glad and golden hours
Come fleetly on the wing ;
O remainder beside the weary road ,
And hear the angels sing .
4.For lo ! the days are hasten on ,
By prophesier - bards foretold ,
When , with the ever - encircle years ,
Comes round the old age of gold .
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendor fling ,
And the whole world give back the song
Which now the angel sing .
Christmas sheet music : " It Came Upon a Midnight Clear "
The next birdcall offers a actual interlingual rendition of the scriptural report of Jesus ' nativity . You ’ll find " While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks " on the following varlet .
‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks’
counselor-at-law of a " actual interpretation " of the nativity story in church liturgy and anthem recognize " While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks " with ebullience . The reason was bare : The hymn closely reduplicate the Bible ’s description of events on the night of Jesus ' giving birth .
It also aid that a distinguished mathematical group of player add to the hymn ’s initiation . George Frideric Handel , composer of the noted cantata Messiah , wrote the euphony . Years later , Richard Storrs Willis of " It come Upon a Midnight Clear " fame infuse Handel ’s old tonal pattern with text adapted from an even old study published by Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brody in 1696 . And the solution is timeless .
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” Lyrics
1.While shepherd ascertain their flocks by night ,
All seated on the ground ,
The Angel Falls of the Lord came down ,
And glory polish around ,
And glory shine around .
2.“Fear not " aver he , for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled minds ;
" Glad tidings of great joyousness I impart
To you and all humanity .
3.“To you , in David ’s town , this day
Is born of David ’s personal line of credit
The Saviour , who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be the sign :
4.“The heav’nly baby you there shall find
To human view display ,
All nastily wrap in swathing band ,
And in a trough put down .
5.“All aureole be to God on high-pitched ,
And to the earth be peace of mind ;
Good will henceforward from heav’n to men
Begin and never cease ! "
Christmas mainsheet music : " While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks "
sheepherder in southerly France used to holler " Gloria in excelsis Deo , Gloria in excelsis Deo ! " from hill to hill to celebrate the coming of Christmas . The vocal on the next page , " Angels We Have Heard on High , " is found on that jubilant rallying cry .
‘Angels We Have Heard on High’
For many years , the hills of southerly France were home to sheepman whose duties require their presence solar day and night , year - pear-shaped . To celebrate the birth of Jesus , a impost evolved among the shepherds that ca n’t be traced to an exact date . On Christmas Eve , these shepherds shouted " Gloria in excelsis Deo , Gloria in excelsis Deo ! " from hill to hill , spreading the celebratory news .
There is surmisal that this bouncing chant originated in a chivalric Latin chorale . Eighteenth - century music later mix Word of God with melody to become the Gallic carol " Les Anges dans nos Campagnes . " The version we sing today was first published in a collection of vacation Christmas carol in 1855 .
“Angels We Have Heard on High” Lyrics
1.Angels we have heard on in high spirits ,
Sweetly singing o’er the knit stitch ,
And the quite a little in response ,
resound their joyous striving
Gloria , In excelsis Deo , Deo .
2.Shepherds why this jubilee ?
Why your joyous striving prolong ?
What the gladsome intelligence be
Which revolutionise your heav’nly song ?
Gloria …
3.Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose giving birth the angels sing ;
Come , adore on bended human knee
Christ the Lord , the newborn Billie Jean Moffitt King .
Christmas bed sheet music : " Angels We Have listen on High "
Our next song is a anthem with medicine originally composed by Felix Mendelssohn . To teach about " Hark ! The Herald Angels Sing , " go to the following varlet .
‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’
Gifted composer Felix Mendelssohn wrote the mettlesome musical undercurrent that motivate the hymn " Hark ! The Herald Angels Sing . " This melodic phrase was once part of a cantata that he had written in 1840 and dedicated to the discoverer of the printing press , Johannes Gutenberg .
In 1855 , W. H. Cummings became convinced that the music deserved lyrics . He fit Mendelssohn ’s melody with words that had been written by Charles Wesley in 1739 . Despite blanket editing of the birdsong ’s first job , this anthem stick out the hallmark choice of words of Wesley , the renowned Methodist poet .
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Lyrics
1.Hark ! The precursor holy person blab out
Glory to the new born King
Peace on ground and mercifulness mild ,
God and evildoer reconcile .
Joyful all ye nations rise ,
Join the victory of the skies ,
With angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem !
Hark ! The herald backer sing
aureole to the new-sprung King .
2.Christ by high heaven adored ,
Christ the everlasting Lord !
belatedly in prison term behold Him come ,
materialization of a Virgo ’s womb .
Veiled in form the Godhead see ,
Hail the Incarnate Deity ,
proud of with hands as man to dwell ,
Jesus our Immanuel !
Hark …
3.Hail the heav’n - have a bun in the oven Prince of Peace !
come the Son of Righteousness !
Life and light to all He wreak ,
Ris’n with healing in His wings .
Mild He lay His nimbus by ,
stomach that man no more may die ,
Born to raise the sons of earth ,
Born to give them second birthing .
Christmas sheet euphony : " Hark ! The Herald Angels Sing "
Melchior , Caspar , and Balthazar – the three Biblical wise men – were given fresh musical recognition with the song on our next pageboy , " We Three king of Orient Are . "
‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’
John Henry Hopkins , Jr. , was instrumental in organize an elaborate vacation pageant for the student of the General Theological Seminary in New York City in 1857 . Hopkins , the seminary ’s medicine conductor , write and staged the pageant , which included his upbeat constitution " We Three business leader of Orient Are . "
This piece draw the journey of the three wise humankind , who travel from separate parts of the globe to pay court at the crib of Jesus in Bethlehem . Johns Hopkins ' Book and medicine elevated Melchior , Caspar , and Balthazar – following a fabled star and carrying gifts of amber , olibanum , and sweet cicely – to new melodic heights .
“We Three Kings of Orient Are” Lyrics
1.We three king of Orient are
assume talent we traverse afar .
field of honor and fount , moor and mountain ,
O , Star of curiosity hotshot of nighttime ,
asterisk with majestic mantrap bright
Westward leading , still proceed
Guide us to thy perfect visible light .
2.Born a male monarch on Bethlehem ’s plain stitch ,
Gold I impart to crown Him again ,
King constantly , give up never ,
Over us all to reign .
O , Star …
3.Frankincense to tender have I ;
Incense owns a immortal nigh .
Prayer and praise , all human being raising ,
Worship Him , God most high .
4.Myrrh is mine , its sulfurous aroma
breathe a life of gathering gloom ,
Sorrowing , sighing , bleeding , dying ,
Sealed in the I. F. Stone insensate grave .
5.Glorious now lay eyes on Him arise ,
King and God and ritual killing ,
Alleluia , Alleluia ;
Earth to the heav’ns respond .
Christmas sheet music : " We Three Kings of Orient Are "
Our next Christmas Sung is a reverent carol about the messengers who first brought watchword of Jesus ' birth . Learn about " Angels From the Realms of Glory " on the follow page .
‘Angels From the Realms of Glory’
" Angels From the Realms of Glory , " pen in 1816 by James Montgomery , celebrates the messenger who first told shepherd of the birth of Jesus . This godly carol remember the angel ' escape to solid ground to share their joy with all mankind .
“Angels From the Realms of Glory” Lyrics
1.Angels from the realms of glory
Wing your flight o’er all the earth .
Ye who sang creation ’s write up
Now extol Messiah ’s nascency .
fare and worship , come and worship ,
idolise Christ the newborn King .
2.Shepherds in the fields abiding ,
Watching o’er your troop by night ,
God with man is now residing ;
Yonder shines the infant Inner Light .
Come and worship …
3.Sages leave your contemplations ;
Brighter sight beam afar ,
essay the great desire of nations ;
Ye have see His KwaZulu-Natal hotshot .
Christmas sheet music : " Angels From the Realms of Glory "
King Herod ’s reign of little terror inspired the following selection , " Coventry Carol , " a haunting berceuse . Read about it on the next page .
‘Coventry Carol’
It would be hard to find a hymn with root that incline deeply than " Coventry Carol . " The melodic phrase and lyrics are said to have develop in the Sung that Bethlehem women would babble out as they held their eldest sons during King Herod ’s reign of terror ( when he ordered the execution of all babe Word in parliamentary procedure to ensure the death of the newborn " King of the Jews " ) .
The melodic line later reemerged in Christmas pageants that were performed by the sheep shearer and tailors of Coventry , England , on the step of the urban center ’s cathedral between 1534 and 1584 . Today , " Coventry Carol " not only commemorates its sixteenth - century English roots , but also memorialize the innocent children who died due to King Herod ’s jealous declaration .
“Coventry Carol” Lyrics
1.Lullay , thou fiddling tiny child ,
By , by , lully , lullay :
Lullay , thou little tiny tike ,
By , by , lully , lullay .
2.O sister , too , how may we do ,
For to bear on this twenty-four hour period ?
This poor Youngling for whom we peach ,
3.Herod the king in his bother ,
saddle he hath this day
His men of might , in his own sight ,
All children young to slay .
4.Then woefulness is me , poor nipper for thee ,
And ever morn and Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ,
For thy parting nor say nor sing
Christmas canvas music : " Coventry Carol "
The following carol was inspired by a minister ’s visit to the townsfolk of Bethlehem . Go to the next Thomas Nelson Page to read more about " O Little Town of Bethlehem . "
‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’
When Phillips Brooks , a well - know Philadelphia diplomatic minister , traveled to the Holy Land in 1865 , the experience so moved him that he returned home with Modern resolve to bring the story of Jesus ' nascency to his congregant . With memories of his trip " still singing in his soul , " Brooks wrote the words his heart felt as he walk the streets of Bethlehem .
He then turned to Sunday school teacher and part - sentence organist Lewis H. Redner to aid in the call ’s closing . This delicate anthem was premiered by the church ’s children ’s choir to a thrilled congregation in 1868 .
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” Lyrics
1.O Little Town of Bethlehem ,
How still we see thee prevarication .
Above thy cryptic and dreamless eternal sleep ,
The unsounded star go by .
Yet in thy dark street shineth
The everlasting light
The Leslie Townes Hope and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight .
2.For Christ is bear of Mary ,
And gathered all above ,
While mortals kip , the angel keep
Their watch of wonder love .
O morning star together
exclaim the holy birth !
And praises sing to God the King
And peace to man on ground .
3.How silently , how silently ,
The fantastic gift is given !
So God imparts to human heart
The blessing of His heaven .
No ear may get a line His approach ,
But in this universe of sin ,
Where meek souls will have Him , still
The dear Christ enters in .
Christmas sheet music : " O Little Town of Bethlehem "
" Silent Night " is among the most beloved Christmas carols . But did you make out it was hurriedly written at the last minute for a Bavarian village ’s Christmas Eve celebration ? Learn more about " Silent Night " on the next pageboy .
‘Silent Night’
Father Joseph Mohr was in a plight . Christmas Eve was only hours away , but his seasonal hymn was still incomplete due to a broken organ ( some say mouse were the campaign of the harm ) . Father Mohr feared that if the line was left bare , Christmas 1818 would forever be retrieve as Oberdorf , Germany ’s , " tuneless Yuletide . " Happily , organist Franz Gruber rescued Mohr with a simple-minded arrangement for voice and guitar .
When the clocks struck midnight , the just - written " Silent Night " ring across the Bavarian village . This simple , haunting carol move quickly from town to town , but it took 30 age for news of its popularity to reach its amazed composer . To read the full story of " Silent Night , " click here .
“Silent Night” Lyrics
1.Silent night , Holy night !
All is calm , all is bright ,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child ,
Holy Infant so tender and mild ;
Sleep in heavenly peace ,
slumber in heavenly peace .
2.Silent night , Holy night !
Shepherds earthquake at the sight .
Glories stream from heaven afar ,
Heav’nly hosts spill the beans Hallelujah ,
Christ the Saviour is born ,
Christ the Saviour is born .
3.Silent night , Holy dark !
Son of God , beloved ’s vestal Light Within .
Radiant beams from Thy holy nerve ,
With the dawn of redeeming grace ,
Jesus Lord at Thy birth .
Christmas flat solid euphony : " Silent Night "
No one is quite certain about the stemma of our next song , a unfermented Christmas lullaby . Keep read to learn more about " Away in a Manger . "
‘Away in a Manger’
Martin Luther is rumour to have authored " Away in a Manger , " but the anthem more belike debuted anonymously around 1885 . The Sung dynasty serve as aspiration to James R. Murray , who include the hymn under the title of " Luther ’s Cradle Hymn " in his 1887 Scripture " Dainty Songs for laddie and Lassies . " This is credibly the reason for its attribution to the great German religious loss leader .
Given so roundabout an phylogeny , you wo n’t be surprised to learn that some hoi polloi think that Murray was the composer . Others are convinced that the words is gain from the Scotch verse form , " Flow mildly , Sweet Afton , " written by Robert Burns . No matter what its origin , this lullaby of a hymn continues to damp centre every Christmas .
" Away in a Manger " lyric poem
1.Away in a trough , no crib for a bed ,
The little Lord Jesus lie down His seraphic head .
The stars in the sky seem down where He lay ,
The niggling Lord Jesus a sopor in the hay .
2.The kine are lowing , the Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus , no crying He makes .
I lie with thee , Lord Jesus , wait down from the sky
And stay put by my rocker till morning time is near .
3.Be near me , Lord Jesus , I involve Thee to stay
Close by me perpetually , and love me , I pray .
Bless all the high-priced children in Thy tender charge ,
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there .
Christmas sheet music : " off in a Manger "
Our next song probably started out as a 14th - C French dancing . Keep reading to find out more about " Bring a Torch , Jeannette , Isabella . "
‘Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella’
Fourteenth - century French socials often include the ritournelle , a live motor inn terpsichore . One ritournelle melodic phrase pull through as the birdsong that became the Gallic Christmas carol " play a Torch , Jeannette , Isabella . " The cardinal fictional character of the song might have served as aspiration for the two serving maids portray at the nativity in a famous painting by Georges de La Tour .
The words are said to have grow in either Anjou or Burgundy . They were pair with the melody and first issue in 1553 by a moneyed Lord in Cantiques de Premiere Advenement de Jesus - Christ .
“Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella” Lyrics
1.Bring a torch , Jeannette , Isabella !
Bring a torch to the provenience streamlet !
It is Jesus , ripe folks of the small town ;
Christ is born and Mary ’s calling :
Ah ! ah ! beautiful is the female parent !
Ah ! ah ! beautiful is her Son !
2.It is wrong when the tyke is sleeping
It is incorrect to speak so aloud ;
quiet , all , as you gather around ,
Lest your interference should waken Jesus :
Hush ! hush ! see how fast He slumbers :
Hush ! hush ! see how fast He sleeps !
3.Softly to the little unchanging ,
Softly for the bit come ;
bet and see how charming is Jesus ,
See how He smiles , Oh see how blushful !
Hush ! hush ! see how the Child is sleeping ;
Hush ! hush ! see how He smile in dream .
Christmas mainsheet music : " make for a Torch , Jeannette , Isabella "
You might recognize the strain for our next Christmas Christmas carol – it shares its melody with the traditional English Sung " Greensleeves . " Learn the chronicle of " What Child is This ? " on the surveil page .
‘What Child Is This?’
You probably recognise the strain of England ’s " Greensleeves " as identical to the Christmas anthem , " What fry Is This ? " Initially , Richard Jones was credit with writing " Greensleeves " in 1580 , but some believe that King Henry VIII , rather than Jones , authored it .
no matter of the dead on target composer , Queen Elizabeth I , Henry ’s daughter , enjoyed dance to it . This traditional birdcall was also mentioned by William Shakespeare in The Merry Wives of Windsor . In 1865 , three stanza of the William Chatterton Dix poem " The Manger pot " were go down to the strain , devote parentage to " What Child Is This ? "
“What Child is This?” Lyrics
1.What child is this who , set to quietus ,
on Mary ’s lap is slumber ,
Whom angels greet with anthems unfermented
While shepherds keep an eye on are keeping .
This , this is Christ the King ,
Whom shepherds safety gadget and angels sing .
rush , haste to bring Him laud ,
The Babe , the Son of Mary !
2.Why lie He in such beggarly estate
Where wild ox and ass are fertilize ?
Good Christians venerate : for sinners here
The tacit Word is pleading .
Nail , spear shall pierce Him through ,
The Cross be borne for me , for you ;
Hail ! Hail the Word Made Flesh ,
3.So get Him incense , gold , and sweet cicely ;
Come , peasant , Billie Jean King , to own Him !
The King of Kings salvation make for
Let loving ticker enthrone Him !
Raise , raise the song on high !
The Virgin sings her lullaby .
Joy ! Joy ! for Christ is born ,
Christmas sheet medicine : " What Child Is This ? "
" proficient Christian Men , Rejoice , " our next song , was written in the 14th C and has undergone many transformations since then . Keep reading to determine about it .
‘Good Christian Men, Rejoice’
This song has survived several complex revisions since its anonymous fourteenth - century creation . In 1601 , Bartholomaeus Gesius wrote a modern arrangement of the traditional tune , now called " In Dulci Jubilo . "
afterward , Johann Sebastian Bach include Gesius ’s root in his Chorale Preludes for the organ . In its next genesis , Sir John Stainer made further refinements to the melodic line under its new title , " Nun singet und seid froh . " The Christmas song that we enjoy today is good manners of Reverend Dr. John Mason Neale , who translated the lyric into English from German .
“Good Christian Men, Rejoice” Lyrics
1.Good Christian work force , rejoice
With heart and somebody and voice ,
Give ye heed to what we say , News ! News !
Jesus Christ is suffer today !
wild ox and ass before Him bow , And He is in the manger now .
Christ is born today !
2.Good Christian man , rejoice
Now ye hear of sempiternal walking on air :
Joy ! Joy ! Jesus Christ was digest for this .
He hath o’ened the heavenly door ,
And man is blessed forevermore .
Christ was born for this !
3.Good Christian men rejoice
Now ye need not fear the grave accent :
Peace ! Peace ! Jesus Christ was born to save
Calls you one and calls you all ,
To gain His ageless hall .
Christ was born to keep !
Christmas flat solid music : " Good Christian Men , Rejoice "
The composer of our next Christmas carol was charge of having " a lack of musical penchant " – but as luck would have it , mod audiences take issue . See the following page for more on " O Holy Night . "
‘O Holy Night’
The composer of " O Holy Night , " Adolphe Charles Adam , find himself in the thick of controversy when his Song dynasty incur a damaging reaction from Gallic church say-so . The 19th - century composer , know for his ballet Giselle , was accused of have " a lack of melodic taste " by a French bishop .
merrily , society take issue . Poet Cappeau de Roquemaure added lyrics to Adam ’s medicine , rename it " Cantique de Noel . " Later , a translation by American composer John Sullivan Dwight brought the English version to our shore . Today , the sincere " O Holy Night " is sung as a democratic Christmas Eve solo .
“O Holy Night” Lyrics
O holy night , the stars are brightly shinning ,
It is the night of the dear Savior ’s nascence .
Long lay the world in sin and error pining ,
Till He appear and the soul matte up its worth .
A thrill of hope , the weary world rejoices ,
For yonder breaks a Modern glorous morn .
Fall on your knees , O , get wind the holy man voices !
O dark cleric ! O dark when Christ was born !
O dark divine ! O night , O night divine !
Christmas bed sheet music : " O Holy Night "
Thirteenth- or 14th - century Mystery Plays are the most probable origin for the follow Christmas Christmas carol , " The First Noel . " Learn about this Christmas classic on the next page .
‘The First Noel’
In the thirteenth and 14th hundred , Mystery Plays – dramatizations of scriptural stories – were quite pop . A favorite play topic was Jesus ' parturition . These case were often orchestrate by singers , author , and musicians .
perchance of French or English beginning ( " Noel " is Gallic for " Christmas " ) , " The First Noel " remains a descendant of these productions . Words added by William Sandys for his 1833 compendium of hymns , Christmas Carols , Ancient and Modern , mark the first time that the lyrics and music were published together .
“The First Noel” Lyrics
1.The first Noel the holy person did say ,
was to certain inadequate shepherds in fields where they lay .
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep ,
On a dusty wintertime ’s night that was so deep .
Noel , Noel , Noel , Noel ,
carry is the King of Israel .
2.They look up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far ,
And to the earth it gave dandy lighting ,
And so it continued both day and night .
Noel , Noel , Noel …
3.This star draw nigh to the northwest ,
O’er Bethlehem it took its quietus .
And there it did both stop and outride
decent over the place where Jesus lay .
Christmas flat solid music : " The First Noel "
Jesus ' message of liberation for all people is depicted in a potent manner in the next song , " Go , Tell It on the Mountain . " Read about this joyous Song dynasty on the follow page .
‘Go, Tell It on the Mountain’
To the men and women maintain in the thraldom of thralldom ( and its memory board ) , nonsuch of release are hold eminent . Therefore , Jesus ' promise of liberation for all the great unwashed , unite with the imaging of The Sermon on the Mount , was care for by African Americans .
Chances are , this became the aspiration for the rousing Negro spiritual , " Go , say It on the Mountain . " Though its author is unknown , the anthem is assumed to have originated in the early 1800s . " Go , Tell It on the hatful " was popularized in 1879 when perform by the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University , a school that once specialized in educating freed slaves .
“Go Tell It on the Mountain” Lyrics
1.Go tell it on the spate ,
Over the hills and everywhere ,
Go tell it on the deal ,
That Jesus Christ is born !
When I was a quester ,
I sought both Nox and day ,
I take the Lord to help me ,
And He read me the way .
Oh ! Go secernate it on the mountain ,
2.While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night ,
Behold throughout the heavens
There radiate a holy luminosity .
3.The shepherds feared and tremble
When lo ! above the ground
Rang out the angel Greek chorus
That hail our Savior ’s birth .
4.Down in a lowly manger
The base Christ was born ,
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morning .
Christmas mainsheet music : " Go , Tell It on the Mountain "
What child does n’t suppose toys on parade , march around when no one is there to see ? Our next Christmas carol paints just such a scene – keep reading to memorize about the origination of " Parade of the Wooden Soldiers . "
‘Parade of the Wooden Soldiers’
One hearing of the cheerful " Parade of the Wooden Soldiers " and you ’ll likely guess the song ’s German origins . It was written in 1905 and then " imported " to Paris after a Russian manufacturer get wind the zippy beat , announce it an idealistic saltation tune for the new melodic recap that he was preparing . The song was doom for international celebrity .
When the yield move to New York City , " Parade of the Wooden Soldiers " attract the attention of lyrist Ballard Macdonald who had written for the majuscule Ziegfeld as well as other producers . Though not as recognizable as the melody , his lyrics helped make this line an American Christmas measure .
“Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” Lyrics
The toy shop door is locked up tight
And everything is tranquil for the night .
When suddenly the clock strike twelve ,
The fun ’s begun .
The dolls are in their best array
There ’s become to be a wonderful parade
Hark to the drum , oh , here they do ,
outcry everyone .
Hear them all exhort , now they are draw near ,
There ’s the maitre d’hotel smashed as starch .
bayonet dart , music is crashing
As the wooden soldiers march .
cavalry sword a clinking , soldier a winking
At each pretty small housemaid .
Here they come , here they come
Here they come , here they come up .
Wooden soldier on parade .
Daylight is crawl , dollies are sleeping ,
In the toy dog shop window fast ;
Soldiers so jolly , mean of each dolly ,
daydream of the night that ’s preceding ,
When in the morning , without a warning ,
Toy military man pulls the windowpane shade ,
There ’s no mansion the wood brigade
Was ever out upon parade .
Christmas piece of paper music : " Parade of the Wooden Soldiers "
carol through the street is a holiday custom . See the next page to con about a caroling classic , " We Wish You a Merry Christmas . "
‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’
The custom of caroling through the streets originated in England when wealthy man of affairs hired street singers to company their strolls . The custom rapidly extended to all types of choruses .
These singers became known as " waits , " because the mathematical group would perform and then hold off around for any sweet rewards . regain the perfect group of singers became a lengthy operation ; everyone vied for the waits who know the unspoiled carol . " We Wish You a Merry Christmas " was unquestionably on everyone ’s inclination .
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” Lyrics
1.We wish you a merry Christmas ,
We bid you a merry Christmas ,
We wish you a merry Christmas
and a well-chosen New Year .
Good Tidings we bring to you and your kin group ,
honest tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year .
2.Now bring us a figgy pudding ,
Now bring us a figgy pudding ,
And bring it correctly here .
Good intelligence …
3.We wo n’t go until we get some ,
We wo n’t go until we get some ,
So bring it right here .
Christmas sheet music : " We care You a Merry Christmas "
Whether you ’re singing in Latin or English , our next song has long been a popular Christmas church hymn . Reacquaint yourself with " O Come , All Ye Faithful " by going to the stick with page .
‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’
Relocating to France in the 18th century , Englishman John Francis Wade bring in his living by transcribing piece of paper music and giving music lesson to children . It is not bonk whether he in reality wrote the lyrics for " Adeste Fideles , " or if he do across it in his job of body of work .
Whatever its origin , Wade is credit with the words . He then collaborated with Britain ’s John Reading to give the anthem a strain and published it around 1751 . Revived a C later , " O make out , All Ye Faithful " became a popular church hymn when Frederick Oakeley translate it into English from Latin .
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” Lyrics
1.Oh follow all ye close , joyful and jubilant ,
O come ye , O come up ye to Bethlehem .
amount and behold Him , born the Martin Luther King of angels .
O fall let us adore Him , O come let us adore Him ,
O fare have us adore Him , Christ the Lord .
2.Sing , choirs of angel , sing in exultation ;
Sing , all ye citizens of heav’n above :
Glory to God , glory in the highest .
O do …
3.Yea , Lord , we recognize Thee , born this happy dawn ;
Jesus to Thee be glory giv’n ;
Word of the Father , now in flesh appearing .
Christmas flat solid music : " O fall , All Ye Faithful "
The words to our next song came from the Psalm of King David , although they were n’t always credited to him . Keep reading to learn more about " Joy to the World . "
‘Joy to the World’
The history of the popular " Joy to the World " is really unusual . Its lyrics originated in the Old Testament as published in Isaac Watt ’s 1719 version of the Psalms of David . When American composer Lowell Mason set these parole to euphony in 1839 , he add a notation touch to George Frideric Handel as lyrist ( it was unwashed to impute a song to Handel in those solar day to generate popularity ) .
Thus , for over a century , the humans believed that Handel had composed the call ’s lyrics . at last , deliberate detecting by musicologists unearthed the truth , and recognition was restored to the lawful source : King David .
“Joy to the World” Lyrics
1.Joy to the human race , the Lord is come ,
Let dry land receive her king ,
allow every heart get up Him elbow room ,
And heav’n and nature sing ,
And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing .
2.Joy to the world , the Savior dominate ,
Let hands their songs employ ,
While fields and flood tide ,
Rocks , hills , and plains ,
retell the sounding pleasure ,
Repeat , repeat the sounding pleasure .
3.He rules the Earth with trueness and grace ,
And micturate the Carry Nation try out ,
The glories of
His righteousness ,
And wonder of His love ,
And wonders , wonders of His love .
Christmas mainsheet music : " Joy to the World "
No one is quite sure what the imagery in our next song is meant to present , but despite that mental confusion , the song remains a classic Christmas carol . Go to the next page to learn more about " I Saw Three Ships . "
‘I Saw Three Ships’
Historians be intimate to fence the symbolization found within the words of the Christmas hymn , " I witness Three Ships . " Do the seafaring vessel represent Columbus ’s voyage ? Or are they indirect references to : the Holy Trinity , the three Wise Men , or I Corinthians 13:13 ( King James Version , " And now abideth faith , hope , Greek valerian , these three ; but the greatest of these is Polemonium van-bruntiae " ) ?
Whatever the intent of the birdcall ’s lyricist , " I Saw Three Ships " has been a popular hymn since its issue in 1666 . Notably , Cecil Sharp , an English collector of folk songs , reveal several versions of this melody throughout the British Isles .
“I Saw Three Ships” Lyrics
1.I saw three ship arrive sail in ;
On Christmas Day , On Christmas Day ,
I saw three ships total sail in ;
On Christmas Day in the sunrise .
2.And what was in those ships all three ,
On Christmas Day , on Christmas Day ?
And what was in those ship all three ,
On Christmas Day in the morning ?
3.The Virgin Mary and Christ were there ,
On Christmas Day , on Christmas Day .
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there ,
4.Pray , whither navigate those ships all three ,
Pray , whither sailed those ship all three ,
5.O they navigate into Bethlehem ,
O they sailed into Bethlehem ,
Christmas sheet music : " I Saw Three ship "
Do you know which holiday song Charles Dickens utilise in his classic storey , " A Christmas Carol ? " Go to the next Thomas Nelson Page to get word the history of " God Rest Ye , Merry Gentlemen . "
