IRISH CAROL
(Bishop Luke Wadding) (1588-1657)
Christmas Carol from Wexford, Ireland


Christmas Day has come; let's
prepare for mirth,
Which fills the heavens and earth at
the amazing birth.
Through both the joyous angels in
strife and hurry fly,
With glory and hosannas `All Holy'
do they cry,
In heaven the Church triumphant
adores with all her choirs,
The militant on earth with humble
faith admires.

But why should we rejoice? Should
we not rather morn
To see the Hope of Nations thus in
a stable born?
Where are His crown and scepter,
where is His throne sublime,
Where is his train majestic that
should the stars outshine?
Is there no sumptuous palace, nor
any inn at all
To lodge his heavenly mother but in
a filthy stall?

Oh! Cease, ye blessed angels, such
clamorous joys to make!
Though midnight silence favors, the
shepherds are awake;
And you, O glorious star! That with
new splendor brings,
From the remotest parts three
learned eastern kings,
Turn somewhere else your luster,
your rays elsewhere display,
For Herod he may slay the babe,
and Christ must straight away.

If we would then rejoice, let's
cancel the old score,
And purposing amendment, resolve
to sin no more –
For mirth can ne'er content us,
without a conscience clear;
And thus we'll find true pleasure in
all the usual cheer,
In dancing, sporting, reveling, with
masquerade and drum,
So let our Christmas merry be, as
Christmas doth become.



(Contributed by Andy & Mogg - December 2002)