The Coventry Carol (and lyrics)

The Coventry Carol is not typically a Christmas song you'll hear in celebration of Jesus' birth.  In fact, it's subject matter is horribly saddening, and yet it's a part of Christ's coming.

The salvation of the world was bought with Christ's blood, but before this many other innocents needed to die at the hand of Herod.

This song is a sobering reminder of the price of our sin.  As we reflect this Christmas season, on Christ's coming, let us not forget the cost.

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,
By, by, lully, lullay.
Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.
By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters, too, how may we do,
For to preserve this day;
This poor Youngling for whom we sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.

Herod the King, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day;
His men of might, in his own sight,
All children young, to slay.

Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,
And ever mourn and say;
For Thy parting, nor say nor sing,
By, by, lully, lullay.