This edition was prepared by Richard R. Haynes — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Christ Was Born on Christmas Day
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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Christ Was Born on Christmas Day by Anonymous — Lyrics
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 ador’d forever.
3.
Let the bright red berries glow,
Ev’ry where in goodly show,
Christus natus hodie;
The Babe, the Son, the Holy One of Mary.
4.
Christian men, rejoice and sing,
‘Tis the birthday of a King
Ex Maria Virgine;
The God, the Lord, by all ador’d forever.
Read full lyrics
About Christ Was Born on Christmas Day
This joyful SATB setting of the traditional English carol Christ Was Born on Christmas Day opens by painting a vivid scene of festive decoration, with holly and bay entwined. The text celebrates the birth of Jesus, emphasizing his divine nature and role as a savior. Interspersed with the English verses are Latin phrases, Christus natus hodie and Ex Maria Virgine, reinforcing the sacred nature of the occasion. The music likely echoes the text’s celebratory mood, perhaps with a jubilant spirit suitable for Christmas services. It’s a piece that calls for bright, resonant singing to convey the glad tidings of the Nativity.
