Out of your sleep arise and wake, for God mankind now hath y-take, all of a maid without any make; of all women she beareth the bell. Glory to God in the highest. And through a Maiden fair and wise, now man is made of full great price; now angels kneelen to man’s servyse, and at this time all this befell. Glory to God in the highest. Now man is brighter than the sun; now man in heaven on high shall won; blessed be God this game is begun and his mother that beareth the bell. Glory to God in the highest. That ever was thrall, now is he free; that ever was small, now great is she; now shall God deem both thee and me unto his bliss if we do well. Glory to God in the highest. Now, blessed Brother, grant us grace at doomsday to see thy face, and in thy court to have a place, that we may there sing thee, ‘Nowell’. Glory to God in the highest.
Words anonymous, 14th century Music Anthony Milner (1925–2002)