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354. The Snow Lay on the Ground

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1 The snow lay on the ground, the stars shone bright,
When Christ our Lord was born on Christmas night.
Venite, adoremus Dominum,
Venite, adoremus Dominum.

Refrain:
Venite, adoremus Dominum;
Venite, adoremus Dominum.

2 'Twas Mary, Virgin pure of holy Anne,
That brought into this world the God made man.
She laid him in a stall at Bethlehem;
The ass and oxen shared the roof with them. [Refrain]

3 Saint Joseph, too was near to tend the child;
To guard him and protect his mother mild:
The angels hover'd 'round, and sang this song:
Venite, adoremus Dominum. [Refrain]

4 And thus that manger poor became a throne;
For he whom Mary bore was God the Son.
O come, then, let us join the heav'nly host,
To praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: The snow lay on the ground
Title: The Snow Lay on the Ground
Author: Anon.
Refrain First Line: Venite, adoremus Dominum
Meter: 10 10 10 10 with refrain
Language: English
Publication Date: 2003
Source: 19th cent.
Tune Information
Name: VENITE ADOREMUS
Meter: 10 10 10 10 with refrain
Key: F Major or modal
Source: Trad. Melody; Adapt.: Catholic Hymns, Albany, New York, 1860



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