Once in Royal David’s city

Once in royal David’s city, Stood a lowly cattle shed, Where a mother laid her Baby, Joy To The World In a manger for His bed: Mary was that mother mild, Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Jesus Christ, her little Child. Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, He came down to earth from heaven, And heaven and nature sing, Who is God and Lord of all, And heaven and nature sing, And His shelter was a stable, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. And His cradle was a stall: With the poor, and mean, and lowly, Joy to the world, the Savior reigns! Lived on earth our Saviour holy. Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains And through all his wondrous childhood Repeat the sounding joy, He would honour and obey, Repeat the sounding joy, Love, and watch the lowly maiden, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy. In whose gentle arms He lay; Christian children all must be No more let sins and sorrows grow, Mild, obedient, good as He. Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, For He is our childhood's pattern; Far as the curse is found, Day by day, like us, He grew; Far as, far as, the curse is found. He was little, weak, and helpless, Tears and smiles, like us He knew; He rules the world with truth and grace, And He feeleth for our sadness, And makes the nations prove And he shareth in our gladness. The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And our eyes at last shall see Him, And wonders of His love, Through His own redeeming love; And wonders, wonders, of His love. For that Child so dear and gentle, Is our Lord in heaven above: And He leads His children on, To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable, With the oxen standing by, We shall see Him; but in heaven, Set at God's right hand on high; When like stars his children crowned All in white shall wait around.

1 Ding Dong Merrily on High God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, Ding Dong merrily on high For Jesus Christ our Saviour was born upon this day; The bells are gaily ringing To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray. Ding Dong happily reply Refrain The angels still a-singing O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; Glor - ia, Hosanna in excelsis O tidings of comfort and joy. Glor - ia, Hosanna in excelsis In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessèd Babe was born, Ding Dong Carol all the bells And laid within a manger upon this blessèd morn; Awake now do not tarry The which His mother Mary did nothing take in scorn. Sing out, sound the good Noels Refrain Jesus is born of Mary From God our heavenly Father a blessèd angel came; Ring out, merry merry bells And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same; The angels all are singing How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name. Ding Dong! Swing the steep bells Refrain Sound joyous news we're bringing “Fear not, then,” said the angel, “Let nothing you afright Hark now! Happily we sing This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright, The angels wish us merry To free all those who trust in Him from Satan’s power and might.” Ding Dong! Dancing as we bring Refrain Good news from Virgin Mary The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, And left their flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind, Ding dong merrily on high, And went to Bethl’em straightaway this blessèd Babe to find. In heav'n the bells are ringing: Refrain Ding dong! verily the sky Is riv'n with angel singing: But when to Bethlehem they came whereat this infant lay, Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! They found Him in a manger where oxen feed on hay; His mother Mary kneeling unto the Lord did pray. E'en so here below, below, Refrain Let steeple bells be swungen, And iö, iö, iö, Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place, By priest and people sungen: And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace; Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface. Refrain Pray you, dutifully prime Your matin chime, ye ringers; God bless the ruler of this house, and send him long to reign, May you beautifully rime And many a merry Christmas may live to see again; Your evetime song, ye singers: Among your friends and kindred that live both far and near— Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! That God send you a happy new year, happy new year, And God send you a happy new year.

2 Good Christian men, rejoice “All glory be to God on high, Good Christian men, rejoice with heart and soul, and voice; And to the Earth be peace; Give ye heed to what we say: News! News! Jesus Christ is born today; Good will henceforth from heaven to men Ox and ass before Him bow; and He is in the manger now. Begin and never cease!” Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice; We three kings of Orient are Now ye hear of endless bliss: Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this! He has opened the heavenly door, and man is blest forevermore. We three kings of Orient are; Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this! Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Good Christian men, rejoice, with heart and soul and voice; Following yonder star. Now ye need not fear the grave: Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save! Refrain Calls you one and calls you all, to gain His everlasting hall. O star of wonder, star of light, Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save! Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. While shepherds watched their flocks by night Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain While shepherds watched their flocks by night, Gold I bring to crown Him again, All seated on the ground, King forever, ceasing never, The angel of the Lord came down, Over us all to reign. And glory shone around. Refrain “Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind. Frankincense to offer have I; “Glad tidings of great joy I bring Incense owns a Deity nigh; To you and all mankind. Prayer and praising, voices raising, Worshipping God on high. “To you, in David’s town, this day Is born of David’s line Refrain A Savior, who is Christ the Lord, And this shall be the sign. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; “The heavenly Babe you there shall find Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, To human view displayed, Sealed in the stone cold tomb. All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, And in a manger laid.” Refrain

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith Glorious now behold Him arise; Appeared a shining throng King and God and sacrifice; Of angels praising God on high, Heav’n sings Alleluia Who thus addressed their song: Alleluia the earth replies 3 Angels and archangels may have gathered there, ???(Alleluia, Alleluia, Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; Sounds through the earth and skies.) But His mother only, in her maiden bliss, Worshipped the beloved with a kiss. Refrain What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Away in a Manger Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, O holy night The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. O holy night, the stars are brightly shining; The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth! But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. And stay by my side until morning is nigh. A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay. Close by me forever, and love me I pray. Refrain Bless all the dear children, In thy tender care. Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there. O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night, O holy night, O night divine!

In the bleak midwinter Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Here came the wise men from Orient land. Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger, Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In all our trials born to be our friend! In the bleak midwinter, long ago. Refrain Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign. Truly He taught us to love one another; In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed His law is love and His Gospel is peace. The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His Name all oppression shall cease. Enough for Him, Whom cherubim, worship night and day, Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, A breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay; Let all within us praise His holy Name! Enough for Him, Whom angels fall down before, The ox and ass and camel which adore. Refrain

4 The First Noel

O Little Town of Bethlehem The First Noel, the Angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay O little town of Bethlehem In fields where they lay keeping their sheep How still we see thee lie On a cold winter's night that was so deep. Above thy deep and dreamless sleep Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel The silent stars go by Born is the King of Israel! Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light They looked up and saw a star The hopes and fears of all the years Shining in the East beyond them far Are met in thee to-night And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night. For Christ is born of Mary Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel And gathered all above Born is the King of Israel! While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love And by the light of that same star O morning stars together Three Wise men came from country far Proclaim the holy birth To seek for a King was their intent And praises sing to God the King And to follow the star wherever it went. And Peace to men on earth Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! This star drew nigh to the northwest So God imparts to human hearts O'er Bethlehem it took its rest The blessings of His heaven. And there it did both Pause and stay No ear may hear His coming, Right o'er the place where Jesus lay. But in this world of sin, Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Where meek souls will receive him still, Born is the King of Israel! The dear Christ enters in. Then entered in those Wise men three O holy Child of Bethlehem Full reverently upon their knee Descend to us, we pray And offered there in His presence Cast out our sin and enter in Their gold and myrrh and frankincense. Be born to us today Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel We hear the Christmas angels Born is the King of Israel! The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Then let us all with one accord Our Lord Emmanuel Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made Heaven and earth of nought And with his blood mankind has bought. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

5 It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, O Come All Ye Faithful From angels bending near the earth, O come all ye Faithful To touch their harps of gold: Joyful and triumphant, "Peace on the earth, goodwill to men O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. From heavens all gracious King!" Come and behold Him, The world in solemn stillness lay Born the King of Angels; To hear the angels sing. O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Still through the cloven skies they come, O come, let us adore Him, With peaceful wings unfurled; Christ the Lord. And still their heavenly music floats O'er all the weary world: Above its sad and lowly plains God of God, They bend on hovering wing, Light of Light, And ever o'er its Babel sounds Lo! he abhors not the Virgin's womb; The blessed angels sing. Very God, begotten, not created.

O ye beneath life's crushing load, Sing, choirs of angels, Whose forms are bending low, Sing in exultation, Who toil along the climbing way Sing all ye citizens of heaven above; With painful steps and slow; “Glory to God in the Highest”. Look now, for glad and golden hours Come swiftly on the wing; Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Oh rest beside the weary road Born this happy morning, And hear the angels sing. Jesu, to Thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; For lo! the days are hastening on, By prophets seen of old, When with the ever-circling years Shall come the time foretold, When the new heaven and earth shall own The Prince of Peace, their King, And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing.

6 What Child is this? (the tune: Greensleeves) Refrain Hark! the herald angels sing, What Child is this who, laid to rest “Glory to the newborn King!” On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Christ, by highest heav’n adored; Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, Christ the everlasting Lord; While shepherds watch are keeping? Late in time, behold Him come, This, this is Christ the King, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, Hail th’incarnate Deity, The Babe, the Son of Mary. Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. Why lies He in such mean estate, Refrain Where ox and ass are feeding? Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Good Christians, fear, for sinners here Hail the Sun of Righteousness! The silent Word is pleading. Light and life to all He brings, Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, Ris’n with healing in His wings. The cross be borne for me, for you. Mild He lays His glory by, Hail, hail the Word made flesh, Born that man no more may die. The Babe, the Son of Mary. Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Refrain Come peasant, king to own Him; Come, Desire of nations, come, The King of kings salvation brings, Fix in us Thy humble home; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring Seed, Raise, raise a song on high, Bruise in us the serpent’s head. The virgin sings her lullaby. Now display Thy saving power, Joy, joy for Christ is born, Ruined nature now restore; The Babe, the Son of Mary. Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to Thine. Refrain Hark! The herald angels sing Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface, Stamp Thine image in its place: Second Adam from above, Hark! The herald angels sing, Reinstate us in Thy love. “Glory to the newborn King; Let us Thee, though lost, regain, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, Thee, the Life, the inner man: God and sinners reconciled!” O, to all Thyself impart, Joyful, all ye nations rise, Formed in each believing heart. Join the triumph of the skies; Refrain With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

7 Silent Night Here is Charles Wesley’s original version: Hark, how all the welkin rings, Silent night Holy night “Glory to the King of kings; All is calm all is bright Peace on earth, and mercy mild, 'Round yon virgin Mother and Child God and sinners reconciled!” Holy infant so tender and mild Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Sleep in heavenly peace Join the triumph of the skies; Sleep in heavenly peace Universal nature say, “Christ the Lord is born to-day!” Silent night, holy night, Christ, by highest Heaven ador’d, Shepherds quake at the sight. Christ, the everlasting Lord: Glories stream from heaven afar, Late in time behold him come, Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia; Offspring of a Virgin’s womb! Christ the Savior is born; Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see, Christ the Savior is born. Hail the incarnate deity! Pleased as man with men to appear, Silent night, holy night, Jesus! Our Immanuel here! Son of God, love's pure light. Hail, the heavenly Prince of Peace! Radiant beams from Thy holy face, Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! With the dawn of redeeming grace, Light and life to all he brings, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth; Risen with healing in his wings. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Mild He lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die; Silent night, holy night! Born to raise the sons of earth; Wondrous star, lend thy light! Born to give them second birth. With the angels let us sing Come, Desire of nations, come, Alleluia to our King! Fix in us thy humble home; Christ the Saviour is here, Rise, the woman’s conquering seed, Jesus the Saviour is here! Bruise in us the serpent’s head. Now display thy saving power, Ruined nature now restore; Even this very famous song, like "Oh Christmas Tree", has its own origins from the Now in mystic union join German tradition where is well know as "Stille Nacht!". Seems that it was sang the Thine to ours, and ours to thine. first time in a village church in Oberndorf in Austria about 180 years ago. This is the Adam’s likeness, Lord, efface; song most translated with over 147 versions. Stamp Thy image in its place. Second Adam from above, The first words of the song, were written by Joseph Mohr in 1816, always in Reinstate us in thy love. Austria. His friend, Franz Gruber, composed the music theme two years after and Let us Thee, though lost, regain, the first performance seems happened at St. Nicholas Church near near Arnsdorf. Thee, the life, the inner Man: By the time the song had become famous throughout Europe and, afterwards, in the O! to all thyself impart, entire world. Form’d in each believing heart.

8 Ave Maria German translation by Adam Storck from "The Lady of the Lake" by Sir Walter Scott Ave Maria Prayer : The Latin text of the Ave Maria Ave Maria! Ave Maria! maiden mild! prayer set to the music by Franz Schubert Listen to a maiden's prayer! Thou canst hear though from the wild, Ave Maria Gratia plena Thou canst save amid despair. Maria Gratia plena Safe may we sleep beneath thy care, Maria Gratia plena Though banish'd, outcast and reviled - Ave, ave dominus Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer; Dominus tecum Mother, hear a suppliant child! Ave Maria! Benedicta tu in mulieribus Et benedictus Ave Maria! undefiled! Et benedictus fructus ventris The flinty couch we now must share Ventris tui Jesus Shall seem this down of eider piled, If thy protection hover there. Ave Maria The murky cavern's heavy air Ave Maria Mater dei Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled; Ora pro nobis pecatoribus Then, Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer; Ora, ora pro nobis Mother, list a suppliant child! Ora ora pro nobis pecatoribus Ave Maria! Nunc et in hora mortis Ave Maria! stainless styled! In hora mortis, mortis nostrae Foul demons of the earth and air, In hora mortis nostrae From this their wonted haunt exiled, Ave Maria! Shall flee before thy presence fair. We bow us to our lot of care, Beneath thy guidance reconciled; Hear for a maid a maiden's prayer, And for a father hear a child! Ave Maria!

9 Deck the Halls Winter Wonderland Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, Fa la la la la, la la la la. In the lane, snow is glistening ‘Tis the season to be jolly, A beautiful sight, Fa la la la la, la la la la. We're happy tonight. Walking in a winter wonderland. Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la. Gone away is the bluebird, Troll the ancient Yule tide carol, Here to stay is a new bird Fa la la la la, la la la la. He sings a love song, As we go along, See the blazing Yule before us, Walking in a winter wonderland. Fa la la la la, la la la la. Strike the harp and join the chorus. In the meadow we can build a snowman, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Then pretend that he is Parson Brown

Follow me in merry measure, He'll say: Are you married? Fa la la la la, la la la la. We'll say: No man, While I tell of Yule tide treasure, But you can do the job Fa la la la la, la la la la. When you're in town.

Fast away the old year passes, Later on, we'll conspire, Fa la la la la, la la la la. As we dream by the fire Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, To face unafraid, Fa la la la la, la la la la. The plans that we've made, Walking in a winter wonderland. Sing we joyous, all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la. In the meadow we can build a snowman, Heedless of the wind and weather, And pretend that he's a circus clown Fa la la la la, la la la la. We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman, Until the alligators knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling, Though your nose gets a chilling We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way, Walking in a winter wonderland.

10 Little Drummer Boy

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum Have yourself a merry little Christmas, To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, Let your heart be light rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, From now on, our troubles will be out of sight So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come. Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Make the Yule-tide gay, Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum From now on, I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum our troubles will be miles away. I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, Here we are as in olden days, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, Happy golden days of yore. Faithful friends who are dear to us Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, Gather near to us once more. On my drum? Through the years Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum We all will be together, The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum If the Fates allow I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum Hang a shining star upon the highest bough. I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, And have yourself A merry little Christmas now. rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum Me and my drum.

11 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) When we finally kiss goodnight, How I'll hate going out in the storm! Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, But if you'll really hold me tight, Jack Frost nipping on your nose, All the way home I'll be warm. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, And folks dressed up like Eskimos. The fire is slowly dying, And, my dear, we're still good-bying, Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe, But as long as you love me so, Help to make the season bright. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, Will find it hard to sleep tonight. We Wish You a Merry Christmas They know that Santa's on his way; We wish you a Merry Christmas; He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. We wish you a Merry Christmas; And every mother's child is going to spy, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To see if reindeer really know how to fly. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year. And so I'm offering this simple phrase, To kids from one to ninety-two, Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Although its been said many times, many ways, Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; A very Merry Christmas to you Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer We won't go until we get some; We won't go until we get some; Let It Snow We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, We wish you a Merry Christmas; And since we've no place to go, We wish you a Merry Christmas; Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It doesn't show signs of stopping, And I've bought some corn for popping, The lights are turned way down low, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

12 The Twelve Days of Christmas (12 Days of Christmas) On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree. 13 On the tenth day of Christmas, On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me my true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, Seven swans a-swimming, Nine ladies dancing, Six geese a-laying, Eight maids a-milking, Five golden rings, Seven swans a-swimming, Four calling birds, Six geese a-laying, Three French hens, Five golden rings, Two turtle doves, Four calling birds, And a partridge in a pear tree. Three French hens, Two turtle doves, On the eighth day of Christmas, And a partridge in a pear tree. my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, On the eleventh day of Christmas, Seven swans a-swimming, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Eleven pipers piping, Five golden rings, Ten lords a-leaping, Four calling birds, Nine ladies dancing, Three French hens, Eight maids a-milking, Two turtle doves, Seven swans a-swimming, And a partridge in a pear tree. Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, On the ninth day of Christmas, Four calling birds, my true love sent to me Three French hens, Nine ladies dancing, Two turtle doves, Eight maids a-milking, And a partridge in a pear tree. Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, On the twelfth day of Christmas, Five golden rings, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, Twelve drummers drumming, Three French hens, Eleven pipers piping, Two turtle doves, Ten lords a-leaping, And a partridge in a pear tree. Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, 14 Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree!

Religious symbolism of The Twelve Days of Christmas (The 12 Days of Christmas) 1 True Love refers to God 2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments 3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues 4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists 5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace. 6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation 7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments 8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes 9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit 10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments 11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles 12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow On a one-horse open sleigh, Over the fields we go, Laughing all the way; Bells on bob-tail ring, making spirits bright, What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.

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15 A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride, And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side; We wish you a Merry Christmas The horse was lean and lank; Misfortune seemed his lot; We wish you a merry Christmas He got into a drifted bank, We wish you a merry Christmas And we, we got upsot. We wish you a merry Christmas And a happy New Year! A day or two ago, the story I must tell Please bring us some figgy pudding I went out on the snow Please bring us some figgy pudding, And on my back I fell; Please bring us some figgy pudding, A gent was riding by Please bring it right here! In a one-horse open sleigh, Glad tidings we bring He laughed as there To you and your kin; I sprawling lie, Glad tidings for Christmas But quickly drove away. And a happy New Year!

Now the ground is white We won' t go until we get some, Go it while you're young, We won' t go until we get some, Take the girls tonight We won' t go until we get some, And sing this sleighing song; Please bring it right here! Just get a bob-tailed bay two-forty as his speed We wish you a merry Christmas, Hitch him to an open sleigh We wish you a merry Christmas, And crack! you'll take the lead. We wish you a merry Christmas And a happy New Year! Glad tidings we bring This very famous carol was written by James Pierpont (1822-1893 ) and To you and your kin; originally entitled "One Horse Open Sleigh", a jaunty composition which is Glad tidings for Christmas sung around the Christmas holidays. Pierpont is born in Medford And a happy New Year! (Massachusetts) and his story resemble furthermore to a legend that a true story. When Pierpont wrote Jingle Bells, lived with his young wife, Eliza The origins and the composer of this composition is at the moment unknown. Purse, with whom he had 6 or 7 children, the daughter of a Civil War mayor of Savannah, Georgia, and his father, Reverend John Pierpont, the pastor of the First Medford Unitarian Church always in Medford. A day James Pierpont went to the home of Mrs. Otis Waterman, who owned the onlypiano in town, and he of course went there to play the carol. After he played the piece for her. Mrs. Waterman's reply was that it was a very merry little jingle, and he should have a lot of success with it. That, of course, is where the James got the idea for the song's name. Jingle Bells was finally published and copyrighted by the year 1857.

16 O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree |: O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, |: O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Your leaves are faithful ever! :| Thy leaves are so unchanging; :| Not only green when summer glows But in the winter when it snows, Not only green when summer's here, O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, But also when 'tis cold and drear. Your leaves are faithful ever! O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Thy leaves are so unchanging! |: O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, You are the tree most loved; :| How oft you've given me delight |: O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! When Christmas fires were burning bright! Much pleasure thou can'st give me; :| O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How often has the Christmas tree You are the tree most loved; Afforded me the greatest glee! O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! |: O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your faithful leaves will teach me :| Much pleasure thou can'st give me. That hope and love and constancy Give joy and peace eternally. |: O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Thy candles shine so brightly! :| Your faithful leaves will teach me. From base to summit, gay and bright, There's only splendor for the sight. |: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Your branches green delight us. :| O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! They're green when summer days are bright: Thy candles shine so brightly! They're green when winter snow is white. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, |: O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Your branches green delight us. How richly God has decked thee! :| |: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, Thou bidst us true and faithful be, What happiness befalls me :| And trust in God unchangingly. When oft at joyous Christmastime O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree! Your form inspires my song and rhyme. How richly God has decked thee! !" O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, What happiness befalls me.

|: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, "Oh Christmas Tree" has its own origins (like Silent Night) from the German Your boughs can teach a lesson :| pre-Christian tradition where is well know as "O Tannenbaum". There are many That constant faith and hope sublime legends about the first Christmas tree. One of these tells about a woodcutter who Lend strength and comfort through all time. helps a small hungry child. The next morning, the child appears to the woodcutter O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, and his wife, and is none other than the Christchild. The child breaks a branch from a Your boughs can teach a lesson. fir tree and tells the couple that it will be a tree that, at this time, will bear fruit. As foretold the tree is laden with apples of gold and nuts of silver.

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