Convidando está la noche

Convidando está la noche
aquí de músicas varias
Al recién nacido infante
canten tiernas alabanzas
Alegres cuando festivas
unas hermosas zagales
Con novedad entonaron
juguetes por la guaracha.

Coplas
¡Ay, que me abraso, ay! divino dueño, ay!
en la hermosura, ay! de tus ojuelos, ¡ay!
¡Ay, cómo llueven, ay! ciento luceros, ay!
rayos de gloria, ay! rayos de fuego, ¡ay!
¡Ay, que la gloria, ay! del portaliño, ay!
ya viste rayos, ay! si arroja hielos, ¡ay!
¡Ay, que su madre, ay! como en su espero, ay!
mira en su lucencia, ay! sus crecimientos, ¡ay!
¡En la guaracha, ay! le festinemos, ay!
mientras el niño, ay! se rinde al sueño, ¡ay!

¡Toquen y bailen, ay! porque tenemos, ay!
fuego en la nieve, ay! nieve en el fuego, ¡ay!
¡Pero el chicote, ay! a un mismo tiempo, ay!
llora y se ríe, ay! qué dos extremos, ¡ay!
¡Paz a los hombres, ay! dan de los cielos, ay!
a Dios las gracias, ay! porque callemos, ¡ay!

Composer: Juan García de Zéspedes (1619 - 1678)

A Stable Lamp Is Lighted

VERSION 1: DAVID HURD



VERSION 2: BOB CHILCOTT





A stable lamp is lighted
Whose glow shall wake the sky;
The stars shall bend their voices,
And every stone shall cry.
And every stone shall cry,
And straw like gold shall shine;
A barn shall harbor heaven,
A stall become a shrine.

This child through David's city
Shall ride in triumph by;
The palm shall strew its branches,
And every stone shall cry.
And every stone shall cry,
Though heavy, dull, and dumb,
And lie within the roadway
To pave his kingdom come.

Yet he shall be forsaken,
And yielded up to die;
The sky shall groan and darken,
And every stone shall cry.
And every stone shall cry
For stony hearts of men:
God's blood upon the spearhead,
God's love refused again.

But now, as at the ending,
The low is lifted high;
The stars shall bend their voices,
And every stone shall cry.
And every stone shall cry,
In praises of the child
By whose descent among us
The worlds are reconciled.

Words: Richard Wilbur (1921-)

Good King Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,
when the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
when a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.

"Hither, page, and stand by me, if you know it, telling,
yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither,
thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together,
through the cold wind's wild lament and the bitter weather.

"Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger,
fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly,
thou shall find the winter's rage freeze your blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
ye who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.

Historical Information

Text: John Mason Neale (1853)
Tune: TEMPUS ADEST FLORIDUM 765.76D (13th century, Piae Cantiones)

Joseph est bien Marié

1. |: Joseph est bien Marié à la fille de Jessé. :|
C'était chose bien nouvelle D'être mère et pucelle.
Dieu y avait opéré: Joseph est bien marié.

2. |: Et quand ce fut au premier Que Dieu voulut nous sauver :|
Il fit en terre descendre Son seul fils Jésus pour prendre
En Marie humanité: Joseph est bien marié.

3. |: Quand Joseph eut aperçu Que la femme avait conçu :|
Il ne s'en contenta mie, Fâché fut contre Marie,
Et se voulut en aller: Joseph est bien marié.

4. |: Mais l'ange si lui a dit: Joseph n'en aie point dépit, :|
Ta sainte femme Marie Est grosse du fruit de vie.
Elle a conçu sans péché: Joseph est bien marié.

5. |: Les anges y sont venus Voir le Rédempteur Jésus. :|
De très belle compagnie, Püis à haute voix jolie
Gloria ils ont chanté: Joseph est bien marié.

6. |: Or prions dévôtement De bon coeur et humblement. :|
Que paix, joie et bonne vie Impêtre Dame Marie
A notre nécessité: Joseph est bien marié.

Traditional French carol

Corde Natus Ex Parentis

See also the English Translation: Of The Father's Love Begotten

Corde natus ex parentis
Ante mundi exordium
A et O cognominatus,
ipse fons et clausula
Omnium quae sunt, fuerunt,
quaeque post futura sunt.
Saeculorum saeculis.

Ipse iussit et creata,
dixit ipse et facta sunt,
Terra, caelum, fossa ponti,
trina rerum machina,
Quaeque in his vigent sub alto
solis et lunae globo.
Saeculorum saeculis.

Corporis formam caduci,
membra morti obnoxia
Induit, ne gens periret
primoplasti ex germine,
Merserat quem lex profundo
noxialis tartaro.
Saeculorum saeculis.

O beatus ortus ille,
virgo cum puerpera
Edidit nostram salutem,
feta Sancto Spiritu,
Et puer redemptor orbis
os sacratum protulit.
Saeculorum saeculis.

Psallat altitudo caeli,
psallite omnes angeli,
Quidquid est virtutis usquam
psallat in laudem Dei,
Nulla linguarum silescat,
vox et omnis consonet.
Saeculorum saeculis.

Ecce, quem vates vetustis
concinebant saeculis,
Quem prophetarum fideles
paginae spoponderant,
Emicat promissus olim;
cuncta conlaudent eum.
Saeculorum saeculis.

Macte iudex mortuorum,
macte rex viventium,
Dexter in Parentis arce
qui cluis virtutibus,
Omnium venturus inde
iustus ultor criminum.
Saeculorum saeculis.

Te senes et te iuventus,
parvulorum te chorus,
Turba matrum, virginumque,
simplices puellulae,
Voce concordes pudicis
perstrepant concentibus.
Saeculorum saeculis.

Tibi, Christe, sit cum Patre
hagioque Pneumate
Hymnus, decus, laus perennis,
gratiarum actio,
Honor, virtus, victoria,
regnum aeternaliter.
Saeculorum saeculis.

See also the English Translation: Of The Father's Love Begotten

Historical Information

Text: Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413)
Tune: Plainchant, Mode V, 87.87.87.7

Of The Father's Love Begotten

See also the Latin Plainchant Original: Corde natus ex Parentis

Of the Father's love begotten,
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore!

At his word the words were framèd;
he commanded; it was done:
heaven and earth and depths of ocean
in their threefold order one;
all that grows beneath the shining
of the moon and burning sun,
evermore and evermore!

O that birth for ever blessèd,
when the Virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bare the Saviour of our race;
and the Babe, the world's Redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore!

This is he whom seers in old time
chanted of with one accord;
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long expected,
let creation praise its Lord,
evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven, adore him;
angel-hosts, his praises sing;
powers, dominions, bow before him,
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
every voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore!

Thee let old men, thee let young men,
thee let boys in chorus sing;
matrons, virgins, little maidens,
with glad voices answering:
let their guileless songs re-echo,
and the heart its music bring,
evermore and evermore!

Christ, to thee with God the Father,
and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving,
and unwearied praises be;
honor, glory and dominion,
and eternal victory,
evermore and evermore!

See also the Latin Plainchant Original: Corde natus ex Parentis

Historical Information

Text: Corde natus ex Parentis, by Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413), English trans. by John Mason Neale (1854) and Henry Williams Baker (1861)

Tune: Plainchant, Mode V, 87.87.87.7

Good Christian Men, Rejoice

See also - In Dulci Jubilo: German / English

Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss;
Jesus Christ is born for this!
He hath opened heaven's door,
and man is blessèd evermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!

Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave:
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all
to gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!

See also - In Dulci Jubilo: German / English

Text: In Dulci Jubilo, adapted by John Mason Neale (1853)
Tune: IN DULCI JUBILO 66.777.855

Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with afright,
But hear the angel's warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy,
Our confidence and joy shall be,
The power of Satan breaking,
Our peace eternal making.

This night of wonder, night of joy,
was born the Christ, our brother;
he comes, not mighty to destroy,
to bid us love each other.
How could he quit his kingly state
for such a world of greed and hate?
What deep humiliation
secured the world's salvation!

Come, dearest child, into our hearts,
and leave your crib behind you!
Let this be where the new life starts
for all who seek and find you.
To you the honor, thanks, and praise,
for all your gifts this time of grace;
come, conquer and deliver
this world, and us, forever.

Text:
v. 1: Johann Rist (1641), trans. John Troutbeck (ca. 1885)
vv. 2 & 3 by Fred Pratt Green (1989)
Tune: ERMUNTRE DICH 87.87.88.77

Joy To The World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come:
let earth receive her King;
let every heart prepare him room,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;
let us our songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.

Text: Isaac Watts (1719)
Tune: ANTIOCH, CM (attr. to George Frederick Handel, arr. Lowell Mason, 1792-1872)

Dengarlah Di Padang Sunyi / Listen In A Quiet Field

(I) BAHASA INDONESIA/MELAYU TEXT:

Dengarlah di padang sunyi,
lagu pujian merdu.
Bergemalah di angkasa,
Warta dari surga.

Chorus:

Kemuliaan kepada Allah (3x)
Dan damai di bumi kepada orang.

Tampaklah duta surgawi,
pada para gembala.
Yang hidupnya bersahaja,
Namun hatinya murni. (Chorus)

Pergilah ke kota Daud,
dan lihat di kandang.
Seorang bayi yang lemah,
Peyelamat terjanji. (Chorus)

Memuji Sri Yesus Tuhan,
membawa perdamaian.
Siapa yang cinta padaNya,
mendapat bahagia. (Chorus).


(II) ENGLISH TEXT:

Listen in a quiet field,
sweet celestial songs of praise.
And resounding in the skies,
A proclamation of joy.

Chorus:

Glory be to God on high (3x)
And peace to all people here on earth.

From the heavens the angels came,
to the shepherds in the fields.
Though they lived very humble lives,
their hearts were noble and pure. (Chorus)

Come to Bethlehem and see,
come and see in a manger.
Come behold a helpless babe,
the promised saviour from God. (Chorus)

Let us praise Jesus our Lord,
Bearer of goodwill and peace.
All who love and rejoice in him,
receive his blessings and joy. (Chorus)


Tune: LAHIR YESUS 8.8.8.7 with glorias
Composer: Jonathan Y. Tan (b. 1969)
Text & Music copyright © 1997, Jonathan Y. Tan. All rights reserved.

2010 Carols from King's at King's College, Cambridge

The complete video recording of the carols sung at the recorded-for-TV version, Carols from King's  at King's College, Cambridge.

This version is broadcast on BBC TV on Christmas Day. There are a few variations in the list of carols sung on this TV version and the live performance at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2010.

See also: King's College, Cambridge's Carols from King's from previous years.

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge's recent CD release: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

See also the French Original: Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle

1. Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Bring a torch, to the cradle run!
It is Jesus, good folk of the village;
Christ is born and Mary's calling;
Ah! ah! beautiful is the Mother
Ah! ah! beautiful is her Son!

2. It is wrong when the Child is sleeping
It is wrong to talk so loud;
Silence, all, as you gather around.
Lest your noise should waken Jesus.
Hush! hush! see how fast He slumbers!
Hush! hush! see how fast He sleeps!

3. Hasten now, good folk of the village;
Hasten now the Christ Child to see.
You will find Him asleep in the manger;
Quietly come and whisper softly,
Hush! hush! Peacefully now He slumbers.
Hush! hush! Peacefully now He sleeps.

4. Softly to the little stable.
Softly for a moment come;
Look and see how charming is Jesus
How He is white, His cheeks are rosy!
Hush! hush! see how the Child is sleeping;
Hush! hush! see how He smiles in his dreams.

See also the French Original: Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle

Historical information

Traditional French Provençal carol

Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle

See also the English Translation: Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

1. Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle
Un flambeau, courons au berceau.
C’est Jésus, bonnes gens du hameau,
Le Christ est né, Marie appelle
Ah! Ah! Ah! que la mère est belle
Ah! Ah! Ah! que l’Enfant est beau.

2. Qui vient là frappant de la sorte
Qui vient là frappant comme ça.
Ouvrez donc j’ai posé sur un plat
De bons gâteaux qu’ici j’apporte.
Toc! Toc! Ouvrez-nous la porte
Toc! Toc! Faisons grand gala

3. C’est un tort quand l’Enfant sommeille
C’est un tort de crier si fort.
Taisez-vous l’un et l’autre d’abord,
Au moindre bruit Jésus s’éveille
Chut! Chut! Chut! Il dort à merveille
Chut! Chut! Chut! voyez comme Il dort.

4. Doucement, dans l’étable close
Doucement, venez un moment
Approchez! Que Jésus est charmant,
Comme Il est blanc, comme Il est rose
Do! Do! Do! Que l’Enfant repose
Do! Do! Do! Qu’il rie en dormant.

See also the English Translation: Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

Historical information

Traditional French Provençal carol

Sussex Carol (On Christmas Night All Christians Sing)

VERSION I: PHILIP LEDGER










VERSION II: DAVID WILLCOCKS









1. On Christmas night all Christians sing,
To hear the news the angels bring;
On Christmas night all Christians sing,
To hear the news the angels bring:
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our merciful King’s birth.

2. Then why should men on earth be sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad:
Then why should we on earth be sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad:
When from our sin He set us free,
All for to gain our liberty.

3. When sin departs before Your grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
When sin departs before Your grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
Angels and men with joy may sing,
All for to see the newborn King.

4. All out of darkness we have light
Which made the angels sing this night;
All out of darkness we have light
Which made the angels sing this night:
"Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and forevermore. Amen."

Traditional English Carol

Nativity Carol (Rutter)

1. Born in a stable so bare,
Born so long ago;
Born neath light of star
He who loved us so.
Far away, silent He lay,
Born today, your homage pay,
Christ is born for aye,
Born on Christmas Day.

2. Cradled by mother so fair,
Tender her lullaby;
Over her son so dear
Angel hosts fill the sky.
Far away, silent He lay,
Born today, your homage pay,
Christ is born for aye,
Born on Christmas Day.

3. Wise men from distant far land,
Shepherds from starry hills
Worship this babe so rare,
Hearts with His warmth He fills.
Far away, silent He lay,
Born today, your homage pay,
Christ is born for aye,
Born on Christmas Day.

4. Love in that stable was born
Into our hearts to flow;
Innocent dreaming babe,
Make me Thy love to know.
Far away, silent he lay,
Born today, your homage pay,
Christ is born for aye,
Born on Christmas Day.

Composer: John Rutter (b. 1945)

The Shepherds' Farewell (Berlioz)

Thou must leave thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare.
Babe, all mortal babes excelling,
Content our earthly lot to share.
Loving father, loving mother,
Shelter thee with tender care. (repeat)

Blessed Jesus, we implore thee
With humble hearts and holy fear,
In that land that lies before thee,
Forget not us who linger here.
May the shepherd's lowly calling
Ever to thy heart be dear. (repeat)

Blessed are ye beyond all measure,
Thou loving father, mother mild;
Guard thee well thy heavenly treasure,
The Prince of peace, the holy child.
God go with you, God protect you,
Guide you safely through the wild. (repeat)

From L'enfance du Christ

Composer: Hector Berlioz (1853)

The Three Kings (Three Kings From Persian Lands Afar)

1. Three Kings from Persian lands afar
To Jordan follow the pointing star:
And this the quest of the travellers three,
Where the new-born King of the Jews may be.
Full royal gifts they bear for the King;
Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.

How brightly shines the morning star!
With grace and truth from heaven afar
Our Jesse tree now bloweth.

2. The star shines out with a steadfast ray;
The kings to Bethlehem make their way,
And there in worship they bend the knee,
As Mary’s child in her lap they see;
Their royal gifts they show to the King;
Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.

Of Jacob’s stem and David’s line,
For thee, my Bridegroom, King divine,
My soul with love o’erfloweth.

3. Thou child of man, lo, to Bethlehem
The Kings are travelling, travel with them!
The star of mercy, the star of grace,
Shall lead thy heart to its resting place.
Gold, incense, myrrh thou canst not bring;
Offer thy heart to the infant King.

Thy word, Jesu, Inly feeds us,
Rightly leads us, Life bestowing.
Praise, O praise such love o’erflowing.

Words: Die Könige, Peter Cornelius (1859), in Weihnachtslieder (1871); trans. H. N. Bate
Music: Peter Cornelius

Sans Day Carol (Now The Holly Bears A Berry)

1 Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk,
And Mary bore Jesus, all wrapped up in silk:

And Mary bore Jesus our Saviour for to be,
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.
Holly! Holly!
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

2. Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass,
And Mary bore Jesus, who died on the cross:

3. Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal,
And Mary bore Jesus, who died for us all:

4. Now the holly bears a berry, as blood is it red,
Then trust we our Saviour, who rose from the dead:

Traditional English Carol

Up! Good Christen Folk and Listen

Ding-dong, ding:
Ding-a-dong-a-ding:
Ding-dong, ding-dong:
Ding-a-dong-ding.

1. Up! good Christen folk, and listen
How the merry church bells ring,
And from steeple
Bid good people
Come adore the new-born King:

2. Tell the story how from glory
God came down at Christmastide,
Bringing gladness,
Chasing sadness,
Show'ring blessings far and wide.

3. Born of mother, blest o'er other,
Ex Maria Virgine,
In a stable
('Tis no fable),
Christus natus hodie.

Ding-dong, ding:
Ding-a-dong-a-ding:
Ding-dong, ding-dong:
Ding-a-dong-ding.

Words: George Ratcliffe Woodward (1901)
Tune from Piae Cantiones (1582)

God Himself Is With Us

God himself is with us: let us now adore him,
and with awe appear before him.
God is in his temple, all within keep silence,
prostrate lie with deepest reverence.
him alone God we own, him our God and Savior;
praise his Name forever.

God himself is with us: hear the harps resounding!
see the crowds the throne surrounding!
"Holy, holy, holy," hear the hymn ascending,
angels, saints, their voices blending!
bow thine ear to us here: hear, O Christ, the praises
that thy church now raises.

O thou fount of blessing, purify my spirit;
trusting only in thy merit,
like the holy angels who behold thy glory,
may I ceaselessly adore thee,
and in all, great and small, seek to do most nearly
what thou lovest dearly.

Words: Gerhardt Tersteegen (1729), trans. Frederick William Foster and John Miller (1789)

In The Bleak Midwinter

TUNE I: GUSTAV HOLST








TUNE II: HAROLD DARKE







In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

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;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Words: Christina Rossetti (1872)
Music:
(1) Gustav Holst
(2) Harold Edwin Darke

Love Came Down At Christmas

Tune I: Reginald O. Morris





Tune II: Philip Stopford





Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

Words: Christina Rossetti (1885)

A Spotless Rose (Howells)

A spotless Rose is blowing
Sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers' foreshowing,
Of Jesse promised fruit;
Its fairest bud unfolds to light
Amid the cold, cold winter
And in the dark midnight.

The Rose which I am singing,
Whereof Isaiah said,
Is from its sweet root springing
In Mary, purest Maid;
For through our God's great love and might
The blessed babe she bare us
In a cold, cold winter's night.

Text: Es ist ein' Ros' entsprungen, paraphrased by Catherine Winkworth (1869)
Music: Herbert Howells (1919)

Away In A Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
close by me for ever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

Text: vv. 1-2: Traditional 19th century), v. 3 attr. to John Thomas McFarland (ca. 1906)
Tune: CRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11, by William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)

Dzisiaj w Betlejem (Today in Bethlehem)

1. Dzisiaj w Betlejem, dzisiaj w Betlejem
wesoła nowina,
że Panna czysta, że Panna czysta
porodziła Syna.

Refrain:

Chrystus się rodzi, nas oswobodzi,
Anieli grają, króle witają,
pasterze śpiewają, bydlęta klękają,
cuda, cuda ogłaszają.

2. Maryja Panna, Maryja Panna
Dzieciątko piastuje,
i Józef stary, i Józef stary
Ono pielęgnuje. (Refrain)

3. Choć w stajeneczce, choć w stajeneczce
Panna syna rodzi
Przecież On wkrótce, przecież On wkrótce
ludzi oswobodzi (Refrain)

4. I Trzej Królowie, i Trzej Królowie
od wschodu przybyli
I dary Panu, i dary Panu
kosztowne złożyli (Refrain)

5. Pójdźmy też i my, pójdźmy też i my
przywitać Jezusa
Króla na królmi, Króla nad królmi
uwielbić Chrystusa (Refrain)

6. Bądźże pochwalon, bądźże pochwalon
dziś, nasz wieczny Panie
Któyś złożony, któryś złożony
na zielonym sianie (Refrain)

7. Bądź pozdrowiony, bądź pozdrowiony
Boże nieskończony
Wsławimy Ciebie, wsławimy Ciebie,
Boże niezmierzony (Refrain)

Traditional Polish Carol

Thanks to azetterb for recommending this carol.

Wśród Nocnej Ciszy (In the Quiet Night)

Wśród nocnej ciszy głos się rozchodzi:
Wstańcie, pasterze, Bóg się wam rodzi
Czem prędzej się wybierajcie,
Do Betlejem pośpieszajcie,
przywitać Pana.

Poszli, znależli Dzieciątko w żłobie,
Z wszystkimi znaki, danymi sobie.
Jako Bogu cześć Mu dali,
A witając zawołali,
z wielkiej radości.

Ach, Witaj Zbawco z dawna żądany !
Tyle tysiący lat wyglądany;
Na Ciebie króle, prorocy
Czekali, a Tyś tej nocy,
nam się objawił.

I my czekamy na Ciebie, Pana,
A skoro przyjdziesz na głos kapłana.
Padniemy na twarz przed Tobą,
Wierząc, żeś jest pod osłoną,
Chleba i winia.

Traditional Polish Carol

Thanks to azetterb for recommending this carol.

In Dulci Jubilo (Pearsall)

See also the German Original: In Dulci Jubilo (German)

1. In dulci jubilo
Let us our homage shew:
Our heart's joy reclineth
In praesepio;
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio,
Alpha es et O!

2. O Jesu parvule,
I yearn for thee alway!
Hear me, I beseech Thee,
O puer optime;
My prayer let it reach Thee!
O princeps gloriae.
Trahe me post te.

3. O patris caritas!
O Nati lenitas!
Deeply were we stained
Per nostra crimina:
But thou has for us gained
Coelorum gaudia,
O that we were there!

4. Ubi sunt gaudia,
If they be not there?
There are Angels singing
Nova cantica;
And there the bells are ringing
In Regis curia.
O that we were there!

There are Angels singing
And there the bells are ringing
In Regis curia.
O that we were there!

Historical Information

See also the German Original: In Dulci Jubilo (German)

Words: attributed to Heinrich Seuse (14th c.), trans. Robert Lucas de Pearsall (1837)
Music: 15th c.

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

SETTING I: JOHN GARDNER









SETTING II: DAVID WILLCOCKS





1. Tomorrow shall be my dancing day;
I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
To call my true love to my dance;

Chorus

Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love,
This have I done for my true love

2. Then was I born of a virgin pure,
Of her I took fleshly substance
Thus was I knit to man's nature
To call my true love to my dance. Chorus

3. In a manger laid, and wrapped I was
So very poor, this was my chance
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass
To call my true love to my dance. Chorus

4. Then afterwards baptized I was;
The Holy Ghost on me did glance,
My Father’s voice heard from above,
To call my true love to my dance. Chorus

5. Into the desert I was led,
Where I fasted without substance;
The Devil bade me make stones my bread,
To have me break my true love's dance. Chorus

6. The Jews on me they made great suit,
And with me made great variance,
Because they loved darkness rather than light,
To call my true love to my dance. Chorus

7. For thirty pence Judas me sold,
His covetousness for to advance:
Mark whom I kiss, the same do hold!
The same is he shall lead the dance. Chorus

8. Before Pilate the Jews me brought,
Where Barabbas had deliverance;
They scourged me and set me at nought,
Judged me to die to lead the dance. Chorus

9. Then on the cross4 hanged I was,
Where a spear my heart did glance;
There issued forth both water and blood,
To call my true love to my dance. Chorus

10. Then down to hell I took my way
For my true love's deliverance,
And rose again on the third day,
Up to my true love and the dance. Chorus

11. Then up to heaven I did ascend,
Where now I dwell in sure substance
On the right hand of God, that man
May come unto the general dance. Chorus

Traditional English Carol

Text: William B. Sandys' Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern, 1833
Music:
Setting I: John Gardner (b. 1917)
Setting II: David Willcocks (b. 1919)

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear

TUNE I: NOEL (BRITISH)








TUNE II: CAROL (U.S.)







It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on earth, good will to men,
from heaven's gracious King."
The world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o'er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o'er its Babel-sounds
the blessed angels sing.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife
the world has suffered long;
beneath the heavenly hymn have rolled
two thousand years of wrong;
and warring humankind hears not
the tidings which they bring;
O hush the noise and cease your strife
and hear the angels sing!

O ye, beneath life's crushing load
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow;
look now, for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing:
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing.

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 all the world send back the song
which now the angels sing.

Text: Edward Hamilton Sears (1849)
Tunes:
(1) NOEL CMD, by Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842-1900) [British]
(2) CAROL CMD by Richard Storrs Willis (1819-1900) [U.S.]

Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her

1. Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her,
Ich bring' euch gute neue Maehr,
Der guten Maehr bring ich so viel,
Davon ich sing'n und sagen will.

2. Euch ist ein Kindlein heut' gebor'n
Von einer Jungfrau auserkor'n,
Ein Kindelein so zart und fein,
Das soll eu'r Freund und Wonne sein.

3. Es ist der Herr Christ unser Gott,
Der will euch fuehr'n aus aller Noth,
Er will eu'r Heiland selber sein,
Von allen Suenden machen rein.

4. Er bringt euch alle Selighkeit,
Die Gott der Vater hat bereit't,
Dass ibr mit uns im Himmelreich
Sollt leben nun und ewiglich.

5. So merket nun das Zeichen recht,
Die Krippen, Windelein so schlecht;
Da sindet ihr das Kind gelegt,
Das alle Welt erhaelt und traegt.

6. Dess lasst uns Alle froehlich sein
Und mit den Hirten geh'n hinein,
Zu seh'n was Gott uns hat bescheert,
Mit seinem lieben Sohn verehrt.

7. Merk auf, mein Herz, und sieh dort hin:
Was liegt doch in dem Krippelein?
Wess ist das schoene Kindelein?
Es ist das liebe Jesulein.

8. Bis willekomm, du edler Gast,
Den Suender nicht verschmaehet hast,
Und koemmst in Elend her zu mir,
Wie soll ich immer danken dir?

9. Ach Herr, du Schoepfer aller Ding',
Wie bist du worden so gering,
Dass du da liegst auf duerrem Gras,
Davon ein Kind und Esel ass.

10. Uud waer' die Welt vielmal so weit,
Von Edelstein und Gold bereit't,
So waer sie doch dir viel zu klein,
Zu sein ein enges Wiegelein.

11. Der Sammet und die Seiden dein,
Das ist grob Heu und Windelein,
Darauf du Koen'g so gross und reich
Herprangst, als waers dein Himmelreich.

12. Das hat also gefallen dir,
Die Wahrheit anzuzeigen mir:
Wie aller Welt Macht, Ehr und Gut
Fuer dir nichts gilt, nicht hilft noch thut.

13. Ach, mein herzliebes Jesulein,
Mach dir ein rein sanft Bettelein,
Zu ruhen in mein's Herzens Schrein,
Dass ich nimmer vergesse dein.

14. Davon ich allzeit froehlich sei,
Zu springen, singen immer frei
Das rechte Susannine* schon,
Mit Herzen Lust den suessen Ton.

15. Lob, Ehr sei Gott im hoechsten Thron,
Der uns schenkt seinen ein'gen Sohn,
Des freuen sich der Engel Schaar
Und singen uns solch's neues Jahr.

Composer: Martin Luther (1534)

Stille Nacht

See also the English Translation: Silent Night

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt es laut von fern und nah:
Christ, der Retter ist da!
Christ, der Retter ist da!

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Christ, in deiner Geburt!
Christ, in deiner Geburt!

See also the English Translation: Silent Night

Words: Joseph Möhr (1818)
Music: Franz Xaver Gruber (1787-1863)

Adeste Fideles

See also the English translation: O Come All Ye Faithful

Adeste Fideles
Laeti triumphantes
Venite, venite in Bethlehem
Natum videte
Regem angelorum

Refrain:

Venite adoremus
Venite adoremus
Venite adoremus, Dominum

En, grege relicto,
humiles ad cunas,
vocati pastores approperant;
et nos ovanti gradu festinemus. (Refrain)

Cantet nunc io
Chorus angelorum
Cantet nunc aula caelestium
Gloria in excelsis Deo (Refrain)

Ergo qui natus
Die hodierna
Jesu, tibi sit gloria
Patris aeterni
Verbum caro factus (Refrain)

See also the English translation: O Come All Ye Faithful

Words: John Francis Wade (1711-1786), circa 1743;

My Soul In Stillness Waits (Marty Haugen)

Refrain

For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits,
truly my hope is in you.

1. O Lord of Light, our only hope of glory,
Your radiance shines in all who look to you,
Come, light the hearts of all in dark and shadow. (Refrain)

2. O Spring of Joy, rain down upon our spirits,
Our thirsty hearts are yearning for your Word,
Come, make us whole, be comfort to our hearts. (Refrain)

3. O Root of Life, implant your seed within us,
And in your advent draw us all to you,
Our hope reborn in dying and in rising. (Refrain)

4. O Key of Knowledge, guide us in our pilgrimage,
We ever seek, yet unfulfilled remain,
Open to us the pathway of your peace. (Refrain)

Adaptation of the "O" Antiphons

Composer: Marty Haugen (b. 1950)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

All My Heart This Night Rejoices

All my heart this night rejoices,
as I hear,
far and near,
sweetest angel voices;
"Christ is born," their choirs are singing,
Till the air,
everywhere,
now with joy is ringing.

Hark! a voice from yonder manger,
soft and sweet,
doth entreat,
"Flee from woe and danger;
brethren, come; from all that grieves you
you are freed;
all you need
I will surely give you."

Come, then, let us hasten yonder;
here let all,
great and small,
kneel in awe and wonder,
love him Who with love is yearning;
hail the star
that from far
bright with hope is burning.

Thee, dear Lord, with heed I'll cherish;
live to thee
and with thee,
dying, shall not perish;
but shall dwell with thee for ever,
far on high,
in the joy
that can alter never.

Words: Paul Gerhardt (1653), trans. Catherine Winkworth (1858)
Music: Johann Georg Ebeling (1637-1676)

Thanks to azetterb for sending in this carol.