As Joseph was a-walking
He heard an Angel sing:
"This night there shall be born
Our gracious Heav'nly King;
He neither shall be born
In housen nor in hall,
Nor in the place of Paradise,
But in an ox's stall."
"He neither shall be clothed
In purple nor in pall;
But all in fair while linen
As wear sweet babies all.
He neither shall be rocked,
In silver nor in gold;
But in a wooden cradle
That rocks upon the mould."
"He neither shall be christen'd
In white wine nor in red;
But with the fair spring water,
With which we were christened."
As Joseph was a-walking
Thus did the Angel sing;
And Mary's Child at midnight
Was born to be our King.
The Shepherds heard these tidings
Rejoicing much in mind;
And went to Bethlehem straitway,
The Son of God to find.
Then, Christians, be ye merry,
Rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
For on this blessed morning
Is born our Heav'nly King.
