The Holly and the Ivy

This is one of my favorite English traditional Christmas carols.  I like how the writer ties in images of the Passion in this text.  Thus, the reason for Christ's coming is still in the background at the celebration of His birth...still preaching Christ crucified "to do poor sinners good."

1.  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.
        O, the rising of the sun,
        And the running of the deer,
        The playing of the merry organ,
        Sweet singing in the choir.


2.  The holly bears a blossom
     As white as the lily flower;
     And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
     To be our sweet Savior.
        O, the rising of the sun,
        And the running of the deer,
        The playing of the merry organ,
        Sweet singing in the choir.


3.  The holly bears a berry
     As red as any blood;
     And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
     To do poor sinners good.
        O, the rising of the sun,
        And the running of the deer,
        The playing of the merry organ,
       Sweet singing in the choir.


4.  The holly bears a prickle
     As sharp as any thorn;
     And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
     On Christmas Day in the morn.
        O, the rising of the sun,
        And the running of the deer,
        The playing of the merry organ,
        Sweet singing in the choir.


5.  The holly bears a bark
     As bitter as any gall;
     And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
     For to redeem us all.
        O, the rising of the sun,
        And the running of the deer,
        The playing of the merry organ,
        Sweet singing in the choir.