This is the first carol of the father-son duo, Bates and Alfred Burt. Composed for the family’s 1942 Christmas card, “Christmas Cometh Caroling” was written in haste. Al’s widow, Anne, reminisces years later:
“For the family card that year Al was invited by his father to write the musical setting for the carol, “Christmas Cometh Caroling”. Father Burt had discovered the text in a small book of carols by Father Andrew, an English Catholic priest. As Al’s hometown sweetheart, I was there that eventful day in November when Al’s father reminded Al of the deadline for the printing of the card. Al had not yet set the lyrics to music. He asked me if I minded waiting, then went to the family Steinway and in 15 minutes wrote the music that began a father-son team.”
Christmas cometh caroling,
and all the merry bells do ring,
to tell how angels once did sing,
kneeling about their baby King,
born of our lady Mary.And it would be a shame to tell
that only clang of brazen bell
should play earth’s part His praise to swell
It must be you and I as well
Who kneel to lady Mary.Then shrive you clean and wash you white.
Keep vigil well this holy night,
while angels carol in the height,
we shall receive e’re dawn of light:
bread from the Babe of Mary.
Prayer
God of Christmas, we thank You for many things this time of year: for family and friends who gather near to us; for traditions and holiday memories that spark joy and community; but most of all, we thank You for that Tiny Babe born in a manger so many years ago. Continue to bless us with the Love of that first Christmas. Amen.