Royal Day That Chasest Gloom

For Christmas

Words: Dies est lætitiæ, a Latin Hymn

Translation: Rev. J. M. Neale, alt., Royal Day That Chasest Gloom

Melody from Koler's Reufbuechl (MS), 1601, as given by Bäumker. Harmony by the Rev. G. R. Woodward.

Source: George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised And Enlarged Edition, 1929), Carol #18

1. Royal Day that chasest gloom,
    Day by gladness speeded:
Thou beheld'st from Mary's womb
    How the King proceeded:
Very God, Who made the sky,
Set the sun and stars on high,
   Heav'n and earth sustaining:
Very Man, Who freely bare
Toil and sorrow, woe and care,
   Man's salvation gaining.

2. Christ, Who mad'st us out of dust,
    Breath and spirit giving:
Christ, from Whose dear steps we must
    Pattern take of living:
Christ, Who camest once to save
From the curse and from the grave,
   God to earth descending:
Blessed Maid! whose spotless breast
Gives the King of Glory rest,
   Nurture, warmth, and tending.

3. Christ, Who mad'st us out of dust,
   Breath and spirit giving:
Christ, from Whose dear steps we must
   Pattern take of living:
Christ, Who camest once to save
From the curse and from the grave,
   Healing, light'ning, cheering:
Christ, Who now wast made as we,
Grant that we may be like Thee,
   In Thy next appearing.

Sheet Music from George Ratcliffe Woodward, ed., The Cowley Carol Book For Christmas, Easter, and Ascensiontide, First Series (London: A. R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd, 1902, Revised And Enlarged Edition, 1929), Carol #18
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols