Three Irish Christmas Traditions

Come to Him this holy night,
Though a Child in swaddled clothing
In a manger, none supposing
He is Christ the Lord, all knowing.
Come to Him this Holy night.

Gaze upon this precious sight,
For He’ll not be long for sleeping.
Give your soul to Him for keeping
And your sorrow for His weeping.
Gaze upon Him here, tonight.

Dress the cottage, sweep the floor,
Make Him room among us living,
For His love and sweet forgiving
And the hope of ever living.
Dress the cottage, sweep the floor.

Light a candle, trim it bright,
Set it in the window shining
For the lonely one who’s pining
Seeking bread and milk for dining.
Light a candle, trim it bright.

Gather holly on the lea,
See the thorny leaves concealing
Droplet berries each revealing
In His suffering there is healing,
Gather holly on the lea.

Gaze upon this precious sight,
For He’ll not be long in sleeping.
Give your soul to Him for keeping
And your sorrow for His weeping.
For He’s here with you tonight.

With the hosts of heaven singing
Let your songs of joy be ringing,
Bowing low and humbly bringing
Praise for Him this holy night.
Praise for Him this holy night.