THE SNOW LAY ON THE GROUND

The snow lay on the ground,\nThe stars shone bright,\nWhen Christ our Lord was born\nOn Christmas night.\n2. ‘Twas Mary, daughter pure\nOf Holy Anne,\nThat brought into this world\nThe God made man.\n3. She laid him in a stall\nAt Bethlehem,\nThe ass and oxen shared\nThe roof with them.\n4. St Joseph, too, was by\nTo tend the child,\nTo guard Him and protect\nHis Mother mild.\n5. The angels hovered round\nAnd sang this song:\nVenite adoremus\nDominum.\n6. And then that manger poor\nBecame a throne;\nFor He whom Mary bore,\nWas God the Son.\n7. O come, then let us join\nThe heavenly host,\nTo praise the Father, Son,\nAnd Holy Ghost.