The holly and the ivy When they are full grown, Of all the trees in the wood The holly bears the crown. The rising of the sun The running of the deer, The playing of the organ Sweet singing in the choir. The holly wears a blossom As white as any flower, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To be our Saviour. The rising of the sun, The running of the deer, The playing of the organ, Sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a berry As red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To do sinners good. The rising of the sun, The running of the deer, The playing of the organ, Sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas Day in the morn. The rising of the sun, The running of the deer, The playing of the organ, Sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a bark As bitter as any gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To redeem us all. The rising of the sun, The running of the deer, The playing of the organ, Sweet singing in the choir. The holly and the ivy, When they are full grown, Of all the trees in the wood, The holly bears the crown. The rising of the sun, The running of the deer, The playing of the organ, Sweet singing in the choir