The Holly and the Ivy (song)

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name of Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20-21)

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"The Holly and the Ivy" is a well known old English Christmas carol.

Lyrics

The holy and the ivy, now they are both well grown

Of all the trees within the wood, the holy bears the crown

O the rising of the sun, the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ, sweat singing in the choir

Sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a blossom, as white as any flower

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, to be our sweet saviour

O the rising of the sun, the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ, sweat singing in the choir

Sweet singing in the choir

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, the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ, sweat singing in the choir

Sweet singing in the choir

The holy 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, the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ, sweat singing in the choir

Sweet singing in the choir

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