The Holly & The Ivy

The Holly and the Ivy is a song that dates to medieval England, which speaks to the rivalry between the holly and the ivy for domination of the forest. The holly is portrayed as the clear winner because it resembles a crown, symbolizing the deity of Christ. The berry is representative of the blood of Christ shed for us sinners, and the thorn and bark, which are sharp and bitter, represent His sacrifice. This beloved Christmas carol has lasted because of its beauty and the incorporation of nature into the celebration of Christ’s advent. Even as it is sung celebrating His incarnation, it clearly looks forward to the purpose for His coming – the cross and the redemption of man.

The Holly and the Ivy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7eHtDtZ7hs&list=RDl7eHtDtZ7hs&start_radio=1

The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.

Refrain:

The rising of the sun and the running of the deer,

The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom, as white as the lily flower,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our sweet Savior.

The holly bears a berry as red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good.

The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas day in the morn.

The holly bears a bark, as bitter as any gall,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all.

The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.