Christmas Eve 2023

O Mary, O Mary, Don’t Be Afraid

O Mary, O Mary, don’t be afraid,

For Joseph will honour promises made.

He’s brought you a little grey donkey to ride;

The road will be long but he’ll walk by your side.

O Mary, O Mary, why do you cry?

The village of Bethlehem is close by,

And there will be food and a bed for your rest,

And Joseph will comfort you in your distress.

O Mary, O Mary, rest here tonight,

The lantern will fill this stable with light,

The bright stars above, underfoot the soft earth,

Surrounded by shaggy beasts you will give birth.

O Mary, O Mary, life has begun,

Rejoice in the birth of Jesus your son.

Now swaddle him, cradle him in your soft arm,

And guard and protect him from every harm.

O Mary, O Mary, why do you weep?

Your baby has fed and fallen asleep,

And Joseph, so proud of his new baby boy,

Repeats the name “Jesus” with wonder and joy.

O Mary, O Mary, sing to him now,

Before your son even rulers will bow,

The weak will be strong and the hungry be fed

Throughout the whole world the good news will be spread.

Paula Papky, 2005-10-23