Christmas Canticle

The Angel:
Thou sinful soul, how wilt thou feel,
on Christmas Even when the oxen kneel,
For all thy vows to Christ so dear,
Which thou didst break in this bad year?

Man:
Full of fear- oh, full of fear!
I will fall to my knees in yellow straw;
I will clasp my hands in terror and awe!
I will lift my tears and to Mary appeal—
On Christmas Eve when the oxen kneel!

The Angel:
And dost thou think that Mary will hear,
And wash thee clean of the dirty year?—
Wherein thou didst lie and slay and steal?

Man:
Aye, for the sake of Christ so dear!
She will cook my brow. She will cleanse and heal,—
On Christmas Eve, when the oxen kneel!

The Angel:
And what wilt thou do for Mary, then,
In daylight, out in the world of men?

Man:
I will try hard not to be bad again.
I will try hard not to be bad again.

The Angel:
And when thou art tempted- wilt thou go wrong?

Man:
Jesus will help me, and make me strong;
And see that by me no evil is done.

The Angel:
Then Hail Mary and Her Little Son!

The Angel and Man:
Then Hal Mary and Her Little Son!