Unlike in modern English, "Christëmas" is pronounced in this carol with three syllables rather than two.
The following are the opening lyrics as attributed to Richard Smart, Rector of Plymtree, Devon between 1435 and 1477:[2] An early contemporary setting is that of the Australian composer Arthur Benjamin, published in 1941.
[3] A setting was made by the Welsh composer William Mathias in 1971 for SATB and organ/brass/orchestra.
[4][5] Another setting was written by Thomas Yeakle in 1972 for SATB, harp and woodwind, advisedly a krummhorn.
[6] In 1990, Derek Holman created an setting for sopranos and altos, flute, cello, harp, piano and optional percussion for the Canadian Children's Opera Chorus.