Christian Men, Look Up On High

For the Circumcision

Words and Music: Khiristiak orduda, 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 #104, pp. 26-27.

Refrain:
Christian men, look up on high,
Jesus Christ comes to birth,
Mercy looks from out the sky
And truth buds out on earth.

1. Jesus, and is Thine hour come?
Early Thou feelest our need,
Though as yet Thy lips be dumb,
Royally bearest to bleed?
Thou has no need of the knife;
Thou art the Way, the Truth, the Life. Chorus

2. Only eight days from Thy birth,
Written in red is Thy name,
Saviour styled in heaven and earth
Lamb of God bearing our blame,
Agonised under Thy law
So to restore the Father's awe.

3. Thus Thou renewest our year
Thus by Thy grace we are fed:
Make we stronger now and here
Faith in Thy measureless aid.
Pardon our manifold sin,
Let us salvation's way begin.

4. Mary, thou Mother of grace
Mother of mercy and hope
Bring us on to see His face
Where the fair Heavens are ope.
Show us the Fruit of thy womb
When from our exile we come home.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), Carol #104, pp. 26-27.

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