Lyrics
The winter season of the year
The winter season is being referred to.
When to this world Our Lord was born
Jesus Christ's birth is mentioned as the reason for this season.
The ox and donkey, so they say
Traditionally, it is believed that the ox and donkey kept the baby Jesus warm.
Did keep His Holy Presence warm
Continuation of the idea that the ox and donkey played a role in keeping Jesus warm.
How many oxen and donkeys now
Rhetorical question about the presence of oxen and donkeys during Jesus' birth.
If they were there when first He came
Rhetorical question asking what oxen and donkeys would have done if they were present at Jesus' birth.
How many oxen and donkeys you know
Rhetorical question about modern oxen and donkeys in a similar situation.
At such a time would do the same?
Rhetorical question asking if contemporary animals would act like the traditional ox and donkey.
And on that night it has been told
Refers to the night of Jesus' birth.
These humble beasts so rough and rude
Describes the ox and donkey as humble and unrefined.
Throughout the night of Holy Birth
States that these animals abstained from water and food on the Holy Birth night.
Drank no water, ate no food
Rhetorical question about modern oxen and donkeys dressing luxuriously.
How many oxen and donkeys now
Repeats the idea of oxen and donkeys in rich attire.
Dressed in ermine, silk and such
Rhetorical question about contemporary animals performing similar abstentions.
How many oxen and donkeys you know
Rhetorical question questioning if modern animals would show such restraint.
At such a time would do as much?
Empty line for spacing.
As soon as to these humble beasts
Describes the humble appearance of Jesus to the animals.
Appeared Our Lord, so mild and sweet
Depicts the reaction of the ox and donkey, kneeling and kissing Jesus' feet.
With joy they knelt before His Grace
Compares humans to oxen and donkeys, suggesting humility and reverence.
And gently kissed His tiny feet
Emphasizes the joyous response of the animals to Jesus.
Would we like oxen and donkeys then
Raises a question about whether humans, like animals, would believe in Jesus despite hearing various things.
In spite of all the things be heard
Rhetorical question about human belief in Jesus despite external influences.
Would we like oxen and donkeys then
Repeats the question about human belief in Jesus.
We'd hear the truth, believe His word?
Rhetorical question emphasizing the importance of hearing and believing the truth.
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