The Snow Lay on the Ground

The snow lay on the ground; the stars shone bright,
when Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night.
Venite adoremus Dominum.
Venite adoremus Dominum.

‘Twas gentle Mary maid, so young and strong,
who welcomed here the Christ-child with a song.
She laid him in a stall at Bethlehem;
the ass and oxen shared the roof with them.

Saint Joseph too was by to tend the child,
to guard him, and protect his mother mild.
The angels hovered round and sang this song:
Venite adoremus Dominum.

And thus that manger poor became a throne;
for he whom Mary bore was God the Son.
O come, then, let us join the heavenly host
to praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.