GATHER AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Gather Around The Christmas Tree
Gather around the Christmas tree!
Gather around the Christmas tree!
Evergreen have its branches been,
It is king of all the woodland scene;
For Christ our king is born today!
His reign shall never pass away.
Hosanna, hosanna,
Hosanna in the highest!
Gather around the Christmas tree!
Gather around the Christmas tree!
Once the pride of the mountainside,
Now cut down to grace our Christmastide;
For Christ from Heav’n to earth came down,
To gain, through death, a nobler crown.
Hosanna, hosanna,
Hosanna in the highest!
Gather around the Christmas tree!
Gather around the Christmas tree!
Every bough bears a burden now—
They are gifts of love for us, we trow;
For Christ is born, His love to show,
And give good gifts to men below.
Hosanna, hosanna,
Hosanna in the highest!
Farewell to thee, O Christmas tree!
Farewell to thee, O Christmas tree!
Thy part is done, and thy gifts are gone,
And thy lights are dying one by one:
For earthy pleasures die today,
But heavenly joy shall last alway.
Hosanna, hosanna,
Hosanna in the highest!
Farewell to thee, O Christmas tree!
Farewell to thee, O Christmas tree!
Twelve months o’er, we shall meet once more,
Merry welcome singing, as of yore,
For Christ now reigns, our Savior dear,
And gives us Christmas every year!
Hosanna, hosanna,
Hosanna in the highest!
Words & Music: John H. Hopkins, Jr. (1820-1891)