The Wexford Carol (PDF)
SATB choir, with Solos & Piano
Traditional
Arranged by M Ryan Taylor

This folk-like carol is perhaps more well-known in the British Isles where it originated than in the United States. The tune is quite beautiful and rather unique among traditional tunes as it shifts modes mid-tune which gives it a light and floating quality. Though there are many verses to this carol which tell the whole Christmas story, this arrangement focuses on the angelic visitation to the shepherds.

The Text:
Good people all this Christmastide
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending his beloved Son.
With Mary holy we should pray
To God above this Christmas day.
In Bethlehem upon this morn
there was a blessed Messiah born.

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom Gods angel did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear.
Prepare and go, the angel said,
To Bethlehem, the order came,
For there youll find upon this morn
a princely babe, sweet Jesus, born.

With thankful hearts and joyful mind
The shepherds went the babe to find,
And as Gods angel had foretold,
They did a Savior Christ behold.
Within a manger he was laid
And by his side the virgin maid
Attending on the Lord of Life,
Who came on earth to end all strife.