The Wexford Carol Songtext

With Mary holy we should pray

To God with love this Christmas day

In Bethlehem upon that morn

There was a blessed Messiah born.



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 come to pass
From every door repelled alas!

As long foretold, their refuge all

Was but an humble ox's stall.



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 beloved Messiah was

They humbly cast them at his feet

With gifts of gold and incense sweet.



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."



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.