The Wexford Carol is a traditional Irish Christmas carol celebrating the nativity of Our Lord. The singer calls upon those who will hear to remember the monumental significance of this December day. The shepherds receive the astounding news from the Angels. Now is the time when the Messiah has born. We are in the presence of the Son of God, Savior of all mankind.
Traditionally sung by men, the Wexford Carol is believed to have originated in the 12th
century. The English version was transcribed by William Flood who heard it from a local singer. It is here sung by The Irish Tenors.
Listen to the The Wexford Carol
Lyrics:
Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind,
What our good God for us has done,
In sending His beloved Son.
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 came to pass,
From every door repelled, alas,
As long foretold, their refuge all,
Was but a humble oxen stall.
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 Angels 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.
Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind,
What our good God for us has done,
In sending His beloved Son.
