Christ was Born on Christmas Day

Info

This is based in on a 13th century Latin hymn, “Resonet In Laudibus.” The lyrics were translated by John Mason Neale (1818-1866), and the melody was adapted by Thomas Helmore (1811–1890).

Lyrics

(Melody by Thomas Helmore, Lyrics by John Mason Neale)

1. Christ was born on Christmas day:
Wreathe the holly, twine the bay,
Christus natus hodie*
The Babe, the Son, the Holy One of Mary.

2. He is born to set us free,
He is born our Lord to be,
Ex Maria Virgine**
The God, the Lord, by all adored for ever.

3. Let the bright red berries glow
Ev’rywhere in goodly show:
Christus natus hodie:
The Babe, the Son, the Holy One of Mary.

4. Christians all, rejoice and sing,
‘Tis the birthday of a King,
Ex Maria Virgine:
The God, the Lord, by all adored for ever.

*Christ is born today
**Born of the Virgin Mary.

See also

  • Subject: Christmas
  • Harmony: chords I & V
  • Source: Franklin Square Song Collection: Two Hundred Favorite Songs and Hymns for Schools and Homes, Nursery and Fireside · Issue 3, 1885 / source / source

YouTube

  • Song with chords (PDF)
  • MIDI file
  • Listen to the song

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