ORATORY

Thought for the fourth week of Advent

Some verses from an old Christmas hymn by Thomas Ravenscroft (c.1592 - c.1635):

Remember Adam’s fall,
O thou man, O thou man,
Remember Adam’s fall
From Heaven to Hell!
Remember Adam’s fall,
How he hath condemn’d all
In Hell perpetual,
There for to dwell.

Remember God’s goodnesse,
O thou man, O thou man,
Remember God’s goodnesse,
His promise made.
Remember God’s goodnesse,
He sent His Son sinlesse
Our ails for to redresse;
Be not afraid!

In Bethlehem He was born,
O thou man, O thou man,
In Bethlehem He was born,
For mankind’s sake.
In Bethlehem He was born,
Christmas-day i’ the morn:
Our Saviour thought no scorn
Our faults to take.

Give thanks to God alway,
O thou man, O thou man,
Give thanks to God alway,
With heart-most joy.
Give thanks to God alway
On this our joyful day:
Let all men sing and say,
Holy, Holy!