31 Days of Christmas Carols - Day Nineteen - The Holly and the Ivy

 

THE HOLLY AND THE IVY

Traditional Carol

The holly and the ivy

when they are both full grown,

of all the trees that are in the wood

the holly bears the crown.

Refrain:

The rising of the sun

and the running of the deer,

the playing of the merry organ,

sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom,

white as the lily flower,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

to be our sweet Saviour. [Refrain]

The holly bears a berry,

as red as any blood,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

to do poor sinners good. [Refrain]

The holly bears a prickle,

as sharp as any thorn,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

on Christmas day in the morn. [Refrain]

The holly bears a bark,

as bitter as any gall,

and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

for to redeem us all. [Refrain]

The holly and the ivy,

when they are both full grown,

of all the trees that are in the wood

The holly bears the crown. [Refrain]

History - The Holly and the Ivy