The Kerry Christmas Carol
Irish tradition held that the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph and the Child Jesus travelled the roads again each Christmas Eve as they did in Bethlehem on the first Christmas. They were refused entry then, of course, so to show that they were now welcome the door was unlocked, a candle was lit on each window, a warm fire filled the grate and food was left on the table.
Brush
the floor and clean the hearth and set the fire to keep
For they might visit us tonight when all the world's asleep.
Don't blow the tall white candle out but leave it burning bright
So that they'll know they're welcome here this holy Christmas night.
Leave
out the bread and meat for them and sweet milk for the Child
And they will bless the fire that baked and too the hands that toiled
For Joseph will be travel-tired and Mary pale and wan
And they can sleep a little while before they journey on.
They
will be weary of the roads and rest will comfort them
For it must be many a lonely mile from here to Bethlehem.
O long the road they have to go the bad mile with the good
Till the journey ends on Calvary beneath a Cross of wood.
So
leave the door upon the latch and set the fire to keep
And pray they'll rest with us tonight when all the world's asleep.
Don't blow the tall white candle out but leave it burning bright
So that they'll know they're welcome here this holy Christmas night.
Cúm an Easpaigh