Wise Men and Gifts for Jesus - "Coventry Carol"

I first heard this song in high school choir, and was surprised to discover a Christmas song that was so sad. Even in minor key, Christmas songs tend to be joyous (such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman"). This song, however, is mournful because it refers to King Herod's massacre of all the young children and that Jesus' family would have to flee to Egypt in order to escape the same fate. The melody is heartbreaking, but also incredibly beautiful. I'm nearly in tears at the end of it as I move to turn off the camera.

Scripture:
Matthew 2: 1-18

Lyrics:
Lullay, thou little tiny child
Bye-bye, lully, lullay
Oh sisters two, how may we do
For to preserve on this day
This poor youngling for whom we sing
Bye-bye, lully, lullay
Herod the king in his raging
Charged he hath this day
His men or might in his own sight
All young children to slay
That woe is me, poor child, for thee
And ever mourn and say
For thy parting, neither say nor sing
Bye-bye, lully, lullay

 

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