In the Ending of the Year (Anonymous)

Light and life to man appear:
And the Holy Babe is here,
By the Virgin Mary.

Refrain:
For the Word becometh flesh
By the Virgin Mary.

2. What in ancient days was slain,
This day calls to life again:
God is coming, God shall reign
By the Virgin Mary.

3. Adam ate the fruit and died,
But the curse, that did betide
All his sons, is turn'd aside
By the Virgin Mary.

4. Noah shut the Ark of old,
When the flood came, as is told;
Us its doors today enfold
By the Virgin Mary.

5. Every creature of the plain
Own'd the guileful serpent's reign;
He this happy day is slain
By the Virgin Mary.

6. 'Twas the Star the Sun that bore,
Which salvation should restore;
But pollution ne'er the more
Touch'd the Virgin Mary.

7. And they circumcise the Lord,
And his Blood for us is pour'd;
Thus salvation is restored
By the Virgin Mary.

8. In a manger he is laid:
Ox and ass their worship paid;
Over him her veil is spread
By the Virgin Mary.

9. And the heav'nly Angels' tongue
'Glory in the highest' sung;
And the shepherds o'er him hung,
With the Virgin Mary.

10. Joseph watches o'er his rest:
Cold and sorrow him infest:
He, an hung'red, seeks the breast
Of the Virgin Mary.

11. Wherefore let our quire to-day
Banish sorrow far away,
Singing and exulting aye
With the Virgin Mary.