1. The holly and the ivy

2. Round the berry-bright red candles And the white and shining King
The holly and the ivy
The holly and the ivy
Are dancing in a ring,
Round the berry-bright red candles
And the white and shining King

3. Oh, one is for God's people In every age and day,
The holly and the ivy
Oh, one is for God's people
In every age and day,
We are watching for His coming,
We believe and we obey.

4. And two is for the prophets And for the light they bring
The holly and the ivy
And two is for the prophets
And for the light they bring
They are candles in the darkness,
All alight for Christ the King.

5. And three for John the Baptist He calls on us to sing:
The holly and the ivy
And three for John the Baptist
He calls on us to sing:
'O prepare the way for Jesus Christ,
He is coming, Christ the King.’

6. And four for Mother Mary, 'I cannot see the way,
The holly and the ivy
And four for Mother Mary,
'I cannot see the way,
But you promise me a baby,
I believe you, I obey.'

7. And Christ is in the centre, For this is His birthday,
The holly and the ivy
And Christ is in the centre,
For this is His birthday,
With the shining lights of Christmas
Singing: 'He has come today!'
Emily Chisholm
© 1972 Stainer and Bell Ltd.

8. The holly and the ivy