A Poem for Christmas Eve
by Máire Mhac an tSaoi (1922-2021)
This lovely poem relates to the once widespread Irish tradition of placing a single lit candle in a window on Christmas Eve, signifying that in that house there was room and welcome for Mary and Joseph as they looked for shelter on the night of Jesus’ birth.
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Oíche Nollaig – Carúl Nollag
Le coinnle na n-aingeal tá an spéir amuigh breactha, Tá fiacail an tseaca sa ghaoth ón gcnoc; Adaigh an tine is téigh chun na leapa: Luífidh Mac Dé ins an teach seo anocht. Fág an doras ar leathadh ina coinne, An Mhaighdean a thiocfaidh is a Naí ar a hucht; Deonaigh do shuaimhneas a ligean, a Mhuire, Luífidh Mac Dé ins an teach seo anocht. Bhí soilse ar lasadh i dteach sin na haíochta, Cóiriú gan chaoile, bia agus deoch, Do cheannaithe olla, do cheannaithe síoda, Ach luífidh Mac Dé ins an teach seo anocht. |
Christmas Eve - A Christmas Carol
With the angels’ candles the sky is now dappled, The frost on the wind from the hill has a bite, Kindle the fire and go to bed, The Son of God will lie in this house tonight. Leave the door on the latch for her, The Virgin who’ll come with the Child on her breast. Deign to take your rest here, Mary - The Son of God will lie in this house tonight. The lights were lit in that inn of old, Food and drink flowed freely there For wool merchants, for silk merchants - But the Son of God will lie in this house tonight. |
This beautiful musical reflection is based on a text from Isaiah. ‘The Virgin is with Child’ is by the American composer, Randall DeBruyn. It is composed in the style of a Baroque aria, a solo voice accompanied by a guitar and a chorus singing the carol ‘Es ist ein Ros’ as a counter subject.
Click on the image to watch.
Click on the image to watch.
This lovely but relatively unknown carol is one of New Pilgrim Path's favourites!
For the lyrics, select "watch on YouTube" and then click on "more".
For the lyrics, select "watch on YouTube" and then click on "more".