How The Banner'd Angels

For Christmas

Words and Music: Hots ainguriekin, Arkanjeliekin, Old Basque Carol

Words Translated by the Rev. J. O'Connor

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #103, pp. 24-25.

1. How the banner'd angels
Down the night go singing!
Sing sing we with them
A down to Bethlehem,
And capture their delight,
And worship God the Son
Taking manhood on.

2. Night can now be fearless
Winter never cheerless:
At midnight's dim core.
Salvation's self is bore,
And out of biting cold
He bids us evermore:
Let your trust be bold.

3. Jesus in a manger
By the cattle lays Him
For cheer of their breath
From Bethlehem's unfaith.
The ox forgets his hay
To wonder at the child
Gazing slow and mild.

4. Faithfully I own it
As if eyes beheld it
The Baby she bore
So castaway and poor,
The God of comfort is,
Omnipotent and just:
In Him all my trust.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #103, pp. 24-25.

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