CHRISTMAS
O Sing a joyous carol

Sister M. B.
from "Alte Katholische geistliche Kirchengesang" (Koln, 1599)*

* Catholic melody incorrectly attributed to M. Praetorius

Joyously

1.
O sing a joyful carol
Unto the holy Child,
And praise with gladsome voices
His Mother undefiled.
Our gladsome voices greeting
Shall hail our Infant King
And our sweet Lady listens
When joyful voices sing.

2.
Who is there meekly lying
In yonder stable poor?
Dear children, it is Jesus;
He bids you now adore.
Who is there kneeling by Him
In Virgin beauty fair?
It is our Mother Mary,
She bids you all draw near.

3.
Who is there near the cradle,
That guards the holy Child?
It is our father Joseph
Chaste spouse of Mary mild.
Dear children, oh, how joyful
With them in Heav'n to be!
God grant that none be missing
From that festivity.

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