A Virgin Unspotted

By Traditional English Carol

Lyrics

1. A virgin unspotted, the prophet foretold,
Should bring forth a Savior, which now we behold,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell, and sin,
Which Adam’s transgression had wrappèd us in.

Refrain
Aye and therefore be merry, set sorrow aside,
Christ Jesus our Savior was born on this tide.

2. At Bethlehem city in Jewry it was
That Joseph and Mary together did pass,
All for to be taxèd with many one moe [sic],
Great Caesar commanded the same should be so.

3. But when they had entered the city so fair,
A number of people so mighty was there,
That Joseph and Mary, whose substance was small,
Could find in the inn there no lodging at all.

4. Then were they constrained in a stable to lie,
Where horses and asses they used for to tie;
Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn,
But against the next morning our Savior was born.

5. The King of all kings to this world being brought,
Small store of fine linen to wrap Him was sought,
But when she had swaddled her young Son so sweet,
Within an ox manger she laid Him to sleep.

6. Then God sent an angel from Heaven so high,
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie,
And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Savior was born on this day.

7. Then presently after the shepherds did spy
Vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky;
They joyfully talkèd and sweetly did sing,
To God be all glory, our heavenly King.

8. To teach us humility all this was done,
And learn we from thence haughty pride for to shun:
A manger His cradle who came from above,
The great God of mercy, of peace and of love.

Bible Reference

Luke 1:34-35

About This Hymn

A Virgin Unspotted, sometimes titled A Virgin Most Pure, is one of the oldest surviving English Christmas carols, first published in 1661. The carol reflects the deep reverence of early English Christians for the miracle of the Virgin Birth, presenting Mary as the chosen vessel through whom God brought forth the promised Savior. With its refrain of “A virgin most pure, most pure, most pure,” the hymn emphasizes the miraculous and holy nature of Christ’s birth.

The text celebrates the Incarnation with vivid imagery, describing the angelic proclamation to Mary, the wonder of shepherds, and the heavenly chorus rejoicing at the birth of Christ. Like other early carols, it combines simple storytelling with rich theological reflection, affirming both Christ’s humanity and divinity. Its enduring message highlights the humility of the manger as the dwelling place of the eternal King, drawing worshippers into awe and thanksgiving.

Musically, the carol has been preserved with several traditional English melodies, passed down through oral tradition in various regions. It remains a favorite in historical and folk carol collections, often performed in traditional choral arrangements during the Christmas season. Its survival across centuries testifies to its devotional power and its ability to connect modern worshippers with the faith of earlier generations who rejoiced in the mystery of the Incarnation.